Obituary of Kay Allis Birdsall

Kay Allis Birdsall, 82, of Naples, FL and Scott (Homer), NY, passed away on March 29, 2026, at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 27, 1944, in Cortland, NY, to the late Minor and Doris (Reynolds) Allis. Kay graduated from McGraw Central School in 1962 and maintained a long-lasting friendship with her classmates and friends. She completed the CCBI secretarial skills program and worked as a secretary for Syracuse University, Agway, and Waymark before devoting herself fully to raising her family as a dedicated mother and homemaker. Kay was deeply involved in the Scott Community Church, serving as former chair of the board, Sunday School teacher and coordinator of countless dinners and events. She played a key role in building the current church after the original church was destroyed by fire.She proudly provided fresh flowers from her garden for services each summer. An avid gardener, she cherished tending her greenhouse and gardens, finding joy in the beauty and scents of nature. She took great pride in caring for the family farm, knowing it would please her Aunt Geraldine and Uncle Harry Reynalds. Kay cherished serving others, whether family or friends. She loved being in her kitchen preparing meals and baking. She constantly tried new recipes that she saw in the paper, from magazines or got from friends. It didn't matter if you liked it or not as you might not ever have it again as she wanted to try something else. One of her many specialties was chocolate chip cookies, which she baked nearly every day for her sons and grandchildren to enjoy when they got off the school bus. She hosted many family and holiday gatherings. One of her greatest memories was hosting an annual Christmas season gathering for family and friends at the house. She prepared nearly all the food including multiple cheesecakes. Kay loved to reminisce of her upbringing, her family, the cattle shows and of course riding her horse. She had fond memories of all her friends and the things they had done together. She treated everyone with a smile, dignity and respect, always kind and considerate of others. Kay had the God given talent to always have a smile and be friends with everyone she met. Kay was a true believer in the Christian faith. She was raised in the Methodist Church. She seldom missed Sunday services. Growing up she was part of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. She raised her sons to attend Sunday School and Church services on a regular basis. She is now in the arms of God with her family. Kay is survived by her loving family, husband Rod, sons Brian of Virginia and Dennis (Heather) of Wyoming. Grandchildren Sam, Sarah, Abbey and Ava, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many longtime close friends. Kay was predeceased by her parents, stepfather John Breeds, brother Richard Allis, sister-in-law Janice Allis, sister Diane Abdallah, brother-in-Law Burt Abdallah. Calling hours will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, April 10th, at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 11, at the Scott Community Church, 6816 NY-41, Homer, NY, with Guest Pastor Chris Surber from The First Congregational Church of Naples, FL, officiating. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Atwater Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay's memory to the Scott Community Church or The First Congregational Church of Naples, 6630 Immokalee Rd, Naples, FL 34119 To offer condolences online visit www.wright-beard.com