Kay Marie Rifenburg (75) of Andover, NY, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022 after a lengthy illness. She had moved to be with her daughter and son and was currently living in Charleroi, Pa.
Kay was born on October 11, 1946 to Ivan and Beatrice (Linnecke) Wilson of Cuba, NY. She graduated from Cuba Central School and went on to college in Washington, DC. Kay married Richard (Dick) Rifenburg of Andover, NY in 1973. She and Dick went on to have two children together which brought her much joy in life.
She is survived by her children: Jolene Rifenburg and Rich (Carrie) Rifenburg, both of Charleroi, Pa., Constance (Joe) Ferraro and Virginia Eckert both of Knoxville, Tenn.; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Matthew, Jordan, and Talon; a brother, Fred (Terry) Wilson of Bolivar; two sisters, Patti Wilson of Connecticut, and Debbie (Russel) Gross of Cuba. She is also survived by nieces and nephews with whom she was also very close.
Kay worked at Jones Memorial Hospital in the Lab for 45yrs before retiring in 2008. She was very excited to start her new career as a grandmother and caring for her grandson Talon. Kay had many organizations that she volunteered for throughout her life. She helped with the Andover Central marching band when Jolene was a member and was always there to lend her time to anyone who asked. She was a member of the Valley Brook Cemetery Association and was often seen lunching with the Red Hat Ladies as well. Kay never knew how to sit still; she was always on the go and cherished her friendships she had throughout her life. She spent many nights playing cards in Card Club and going on dinner and lunch adventures throughout the county. She could also be seen at many of the motocross racetracks that dotted Western New York over the years with her son Rich; she was the real deal Moto Mom and took him all over to compete. Kay thoroughly enjoyed her family, friends, and life to its fullest.
Kay was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Richard (Dick) Rifenburg, in 2010, her parents Ivan and Beatrice (Linnecke) Wilson and a granddaughter Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hurlburt, in May 2003.
At this time there will be no services. A celebration of life is being planned for a July 1, 2023 at the Cabin on Quigg Hollow. Local arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Andover.
Kay was a very big supporter of veterans, and the family would love to have you donate in her memory to your local American Legion. Kay also was a contributor to the American Blind Association and a donation her name would also be a wonderful remembrance.
