Irving, Katherine M., 86, Caribou, at Houlton, June 21, 2010. Arrangements are in the care of Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
CARIBOU – Katherine “Kay” M. Irving, 86, passed away, June 21, 2010, at a Houlton health care facility, following a long illness. She was born at Stockholm, December 14, 1923, the daughter of the late Wilbert E. R. and Olga E. (Stockson) Nelson. She was know as “Grammy Kay” to her many grandchildren and great-children of whom she loved and cherished. Even as she experienced health issues she never missed noting a birthday, a special occasion and of course the most special holiday of all, Christmas. A person of great courage and compassion she raised four sons instilling in them the importance of character, love and faith. She set the example for others to follow. In her early years her education was interrupted as she had to meet family commitments by helping her parents. Much later on in life she returned to school and met all education requirements for graduation. Kay was employed for many years by the Maine Department of Human Services, working out of the Caribou office. She was also a highly skilled seamstress whose passion for her craft brought her much recognition. She was a member of the Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church in New Sweden and was a past active member of the Elizabeth Chapter Order of Eastern Star, having been inducted into the order in 1990. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Perkins-Plourde Post #136 American Legion in Stockholm and was a volunteer at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou.
She is survived by three sons and their wives, Calvin and Mary Lund of Caribou, Raymond and Kathy Lund of Saco and Arlo and Anita Lund of North Carolina; two sisters, Rita D. Ottaviano of Mass. and Martha Justus of Mich.; one brother, Wilbur Nelson of N.Y.; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Ervin H. Lund followed years later by the death of her second husband, Kenneth Irving, a son, Ronald A. Lund and two brothers, Byron and Elwin Nelson.
Friends called at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, Saturday, June 26, 2010, from 12 noon until time of services, which was held 2 p.m. from the funeral home, with the Rev. Gordon Compton, pastor, officiant. Interment took place in the New Sweden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers friends who wish to contribute in memory of Kay may do so to the Caribou Public Library Children’s education program, 30 High St., Caribou, ME 04736. Envelopes may also be obtained through the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
