Kay Whelan

Kay Whelan of Crofton, MD passed away on October 21, 2023, in Annapolis, Md. surrounded by her family.       

Kay was born Helen Kay Davis in Frederick, Maryland, on March 21, 1942. She was predeceased by her parents, H. Stanley Davis Jr. and Maryellen Fogler Davis, her brother, H. Stanley Davis III, and her son-in-law Fred Opoku.    She graduated from St. John Literary Institute in 1956 and went on to high school at St. John at Prospect Hall where she graduated in 1960. Both are in Frederick, MD.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Thomas J. Whelan Jr, her children Kathryn Whelan Callum (Anthony) of Chalfont, PA., Margaret Mary Whelan of Crofton, MD., and Maureen Whelan Opoku of Aurora, CO., and her loving grandchildren, Mary, Thomas, and William Callum, who called her “Granmonkey”.

Having graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital Nursing School, Baltimore, MD. in 1963, Kay embarked on a long nursing career of over 40 years.  She worked in the oncology department of the U. S. Public Health Hospital, Baltimore, MD., the emergency room at Frederick Memorial Hospital, Frederick, MD., the operating room at Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring, MD., geriatrics at Magnolia Gardens Nursing Home, Greenbelt, MD., visiting nurse for Prince George’s County Health Department, and, for more than 15 years, as a certified orthopedic nurse at the Joint and Spine Center, Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD. She was awarded certifications in both Med-Surge and Orthopedics.

Kay was active in her Church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Crofton, MD.  Early on she was involved in the Religious Education Program, and later directed the Hospital Visitation Program, and coordinated the Parish Prayer Group and the Parish Rosary Group.  She assisted her husband as facilitator for more than 20 years in small faith sharing groups including Renew, Alfa, Disciples-in-Mission, On-the-Journey, Good News People and Living the Eucharist.

She was a long-time president of the Davis Family Reunion and was a member of a local “Red Hats” group.  She facilitated the Crofton Swim and Tennis Club Synchronized Swim Team. Kay was a community Girl Scout coordinator and for many years led Troop 263.

Kay especially loved hosting gatherings at her home for family and friends. She was a great cook and a gracious host.

She was greatly loved and will be missed by her family and her many friends, neighbors, co-workers and fellow parishioners.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Crofton, MD., at 11:00 am on Friday, November 3, 2023.  Visitation will be in the Church from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to Mass.   A celebration of life will be held immediately following Mass in the Fr. Edward Connelly Parish Center.  All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 1800 Seton Drive, Crofton, MD 21114.

Interment will be private