Kathleen "Kay" Marie Bauman was born on January 12, 1946, to Theodore Ongena and Helen "Nellie" Ongena. She spent her childhood in Lapeer, Michigan, alongside her parents and three siblings. Kay excelled in school and formed friendships that she treasured throughout her life. She was actively involved in many school organizations, including Student Council, French Club, National Honor Society, and serving as secretary of her class. One of her proudest accomplishments was being selected as editor of her senior yearbook.

In 1964, Kay attended Central Michigan University, where she met the love of her life, Roneldon "Ron" Bauman. Before marrying Ron in 1966, she earned her associate degree. Together they began building a beautiful life and family. They welcomed their first daughter, Kelly, in 1967, followed by their son Kevin in 1968. After graduation, they settled in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where they later welcomed daughter Kari in 1972 and son Kurt in 1974.

Kay was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend whose world revolved around her family. In 1974, she and Ron made a major move to Naperville, Illinois. Being far from her extended family inspired Kay to pour her heart into volunteer work, something that became one of the great passions of her life. In Naperville, she volunteered extensively with the Heritage Society and became known as an incredible planner, organizer, and gracious hostess. She chaired and volunteered for countless committees and events while also proudly raising her four children. During this time, Kay enjoyed bowling and participating in Gourmet Club, where she once again formed many lifelong friendships.

Kay was creative and talented in so many ways. In her free time, she enjoyed making stained glass art, sewing, and creating macramé pieces. She lovingly made clothes and costumes for her children and took great pride in every detail. During these years, she and Ron also restored a 100-year-old farmhouse to its former beauty. It was truly a labor of love, and they cherished working side by side on projects together.

In 1979, the family made an even bigger move to Copper Canyon, Texas. Kay quickly became involved in the community, joining a tennis league and continuing her passion for volunteerism. She volunteered faithfully at the Catholic Church and at her children's schools as well. She co-founded Red Stocking Follies and Arts in the Park, helping introduce the Lewisville Lake Symphony, which she also helped establish. Throughout the years, Kay dedicated herself to countless community events and organizations. One of the groups closest to her heart was LAGA, where she formed treasured friendships that lasted for decades and continue to gather together to this day.

In 1986, Kay helped Ron fulfill his dream of opening his own business. She sacrificed a home she loved and moved the family to Flower Mound, Texas, where together they built their sales representative agency at the World Trade Center in Dallas. Working tirelessly side by side, they built the business from the ground up and created a successful career that carried them through retirement.

Kay and Ron shared a love of travel and were blessed to explore many beautiful places around the world, including Belize, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, and many others. Kay was a gifted photographer who captured countless treasured memories along the way.

Above all else, Kay's greatest joy and highest priority was always her family. She was her children's and grandchildren's biggest cheerleader, attending as many school programs, sporting events, and activities as possible. She was endlessly proud of each of them and loved sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. One of her favorite traditions was hosting "Grandma's Cookie Camp," where her grandchildren gathered each year to bake beloved family recipes together.

Kay loved deeply and unconditionally. She adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, parents, and friends with all her heart. Her home was always open, filled with warmth, laughter, and love, and she greeted everyone with a beautiful smile that made them feel instantly welcome. Kay never met a stranger and treated everyone she encountered with kindness and compassion. She remained full of life and grace even after facing the unimaginable loss of her son, Kurt. No matter the hardship, Kay always found the good in life and in people.

As much as our hearts ache, we find peace in knowing she has been reunited with the love of her life, Ron, and her sweet son Kurt, whom she longed to be with again for the past 34 years.

Kay is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and countless dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love and kindness.

Though our hearts are broken, her love remains woven into every part of our lives. Her legacy of faith, strength, kindness, and unconditional love will continue through the family she adored. Please see the following link if you would like to make a donation in Kay's memory https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/KathleenKayBauman