Kathleen "Kay" Fahnestock, 95, of Suwanee, GA, formerly of Washington, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025.

She was born on November 25, 1929 in Harrisburg, PA to George Albert and Ruth Scantlin Robb. She married Cy Fahnestock on July 12, 1952 in New Bloomfield, PA. Cy preceded her in death in 2021.

Surviving are two daughters, Catherine Nixon (Phil) of Loudon, TN and Jennifer Lancaster (Brian) of Alpharetta, GA; Kay's five grandchildren, Stephanie, Christina, Bradley, Grant, and Brie; and five great-grandchildren, Carter, Stella, Camille, Jacob, and Chase.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Walter and Herbert Robb.

After a happy childhood, Kay graduated from New Bloomfield High School in 1947 and started classes at Penn State, where she was introduced to Cy Fahnestock her sophomore year. Her diploma prepared her to teach Speech Therapy and Childhood Education. She was a Zeta Tau Alpha member in college, sharing her sisterhood with her granddaughter Brie.

The newlywed couple moved to St. Louis where Kay taught in Webster Grove, MO. Soon, the Fahnestocks were offered positions in Palmer, Alaska; Cy with the USDA and Kay as a public school teacher. They drove to the territory where they enjoyed the scenery and climate. It was the adventure of a lifetime and they made lasting friendships and memories.

After three years, Cy and Kay chose to move back to the Midwest, making their family home in Washington, IL. Kay taught school until their two treasured daughters, Cathy and Jennifer, arrived. Later, she was a substitute teacher and Director of the Washington Grade School's Learning Center. The Fahnestocks were active members of Washington Presbyterian Church since 1956, where Kay was an Elder and Sunday School teacher. She served terms as President of Washington's Federated Women's Club and of Chapter HG, PEO, and led Girl Scout Troops for her daughters. Many friendships were made and maintained during their nearly 69 years of marriage.

Among Kay's favorite family times were yearly vacations to relatives in Pennsylvania and the country's national parks and historic sites. At "empty nest time", Cy and Kay completed exploration of the remaining fifty states and toured six continents. They spent many winters in Arizona, hiking trails near Tucson. Other hobbies of Kay's included RVing, square dancing, bridge, book clubs, exercising, and enthusiastically supporting Penn State football.

Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria became home for 14 years, where they embraced all the community's activities. In 2024, Kay's daughters and sons-in-law moved her to Celebration Village in Suwanee, GA to be closer to their families. Kay handled the cross country move at age 94 with cheerfulness and courage.

Kay was the ultimate correspondent with family and friends, taking great delight in sending hundreds of postcards and letters during her life. She was famous for her Tidy Tacos and warm hospitality. Her genuine interest in others, selfless spirit, and positive attitude brightened the lives of everyone in her path. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.

Her motto, often shared with family, was "It will all work out."

After  a private family burial at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, visitation will be from 2:00-3:00pm Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Washington Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm, with Rev. John Napoli officiating.

Memorial gifts may be made to Washington Presbyterian Church or EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, IL.