Zakiya “Kay” Palinski
Zakiya Mary Palinski, “Kay Eyde,” born June 25, 1931, passed away on December 17, 2020.
Kay lived a life with faith and family at its center, while pursuing a variety of pioneering and meaningful career and civic endeavors.
She enjoyed a successful career in radio and television broadcasting, spanning nearly three decades at Michigan State University’s WKAR. After beginning in radio, she helped the station transition to television with a variety of productions and on-air hosting positions including Bookmobile’s Aunt Vickie, Ladies Time, Patio Party, and Trends & Views. She continued her connection to Michigan State University in the Department of Continuing Education as its first Director of Programs for Women.
Other highlights included her appointment by Governors Swainson, Romney and Milliken to the early Governor’s Commissions on the status of women; many years of active involvement in the Right to Life Movement; years as a real estate broker at the Eyde Company; and a recent return to on-air with a series of vignettes for Good Shepherd Catholic Radio.
In Kay’s words, the “best career” of her life was as wife to Eugene and mother to Christopher (Monica) and Carol (Alex). She is survived by her children and six grandchildren; brothers Lou (Marti) and Sam (Judy); sister Mary Ann; sisters-in-law Irene, Mary and MaryAnn, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, parents (Sam and Eva), and brothers (Richard, Patrick, George, and Michael).
Kay was grateful for good health throughout her life. A recent visit to the McLaren Greater Lansing Emergency Department revealed advanced cancer and the medical team’s skilled intervention allowed her to enjoy a quality of life at home, surrounded by love and prayers of her family and friends near and far.
Prior to her passing, Kay arranged gifts to organizations close to her heart: Right to Life of Michigan, Brothers of Holy Cross and Saint Gerard School Scholarship Fund. Kay’s hope is that those who cherish marriage and family life will continue their efforts in a peaceful world.
A small graveside service was officiated by Father Klein of Saint Gerard Catholic Church. A memorial celebration of her life is intended at a later date, when family and friends may gather. Online condolences may be made at www.EstesLeadley.com.
18 Messages to “Zakiya “Kay” Palinski”
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Nancy (Nosal) Ballard
December 20, 2020 at 8:24 amChris & Carol,
So very sorry to see of your Mom’s passing. Sending prayers and hugs.
Phil Scozzafave
December 20, 2020 at 10:14 amOur most sincere condolences to the Palinski and the Eyde families. Kay was always a kind and loving woman whom we looked up to. A shining example for all mothers and all people.
With sympathy, Phil and Mary Pat Scozzafave
Judi Daher
December 20, 2020 at 10:28 amA wonderful woman has passed leaving a legacy of fulfilled riches. What a life well-lived!!!! Blessings and Peace to the entire Eyde-Palinski family.
Linda Wolcott
December 20, 2020 at 12:35 pmTo the family of Kay – my sincere condolences to you all. Kay was a wonderful person and she always had kind words to me every time we met. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and by her St. Gerard friends. RIP Kay and may the angels welcome you to paradise.
Linda Wolcott
Camilla Fahmie
December 20, 2020 at 2:36 pmKay was always an inspiration to me. She was a woman who used all of the talents and gifts gave her. My prayers are for her family who I am sure that they will miss but never forget.
Camilla Fahmie
Barbara Waked
December 20, 2020 at 7:28 pmRest in Peace dear sweet Kay. It has truly been an honor that you were a part of my life…what a treasure.Always enjoyed our talks.We will meet again, love you more…..truly, you will be missed
Sally Ellis
December 20, 2020 at 7:58 pmI am so sorry to read of Kay’s passing. Kay was such a gentle soul. I loved her spirit, her kindness toward everyone she encountered, and her love for life. When our paths would cross, her words of encouragement would always uplift me. Heaven has gained a gentle giant. Rest in God’s loving arms, dear Kay. “May the angels welcome you to paradise. May the martyrs greet you on your way. May you see the face of the Lord this day. Alleluia! Alleluia!”
Susie Cherry
December 20, 2020 at 8:53 pmTo the Palinski and Eyde families, Kay was a beautiful, faith-filled, kind soul. She always greeted with a warm smile that warmed the heart. She was loved by many and will be missed. May all your beautiful memories of Kay bring you comfort and peace.
Rosemary Rentschler
December 20, 2020 at 11:22 pmMy condolences to the entire Eyde-Palinski family. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this journey of loss.
Rosemary Corey Rentschler
Bruce Barlond
December 21, 2020 at 10:00 amKay was such a kind, friendly and wonderful Lady who cared deeply for her family and friends! Kay workd hard for those most in need and wanted good to come from her work! Kay will be sorely missed by all who knew her!
Dear Lord, please give comfort to her family and friends during this time of sorrow, please Lord!
May Kay now Rest In Peace!
Rosemary Wade
December 21, 2020 at 12:34 pmKay was one of the most kind, lovely ladies. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
May God bless her whole family
Dairus Reynnet
December 22, 2020 at 9:51 amI will always remember Kay as a very kind and gentle person. I wish I had known about her experience in radio at WKAR radio as I find that very interesting and would have loved to have learned more. Kay had such an interesting life. I will miss her.
Nancy Washburne
December 28, 2020 at 12:58 pmOur thoughts and prayers to all the family for your irreparable loss. Kay was one of the most wonderful and accomplished ladies that I have ever met. She was sweet, she was classy, she was kind. Wife, mother and grandmother extraordinaire. I was blessed to enjoy her friendship for many, many years. God speed my dear friend, we shall always remember you lovingly.
The Washburne’s
December 28, 2020 at 1:24 pmWe are so sorry to hear about Kay, our hearts are with her family during this time of sadness.
Amanda Costello
December 28, 2020 at 4:44 pmChris & Carol (my favorite neighbors),
So sorry to hear about your beautiful momma. I am glad to hear she was surrounded with family when she passed. My memories of her are so good! She was always gracious, happy and busy taking good care of you! I’m also sorry to learn your dad has also passed away. He too was an amazing person and very kind hearted. I sure hope you and your families are well (I see you on FB Carol, but never see you Chris-I’m sure you are busy in life like most people and are not concerned with social media). You two were great neighbors and friends!
I pray the peace of God that excels all thought is with you both and that the Bible’s hope of a resurrection to perfect life brings you both comfort (Acts 24:15, John 5:28, 29 & Rev 21:4). My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Amanda Costello (DuBois)
Mary K. Ruedisale
December 28, 2020 at 5:00 pmChris and Carol I am so saddened for your loss she was my best neighbor, and friend, and I am so glad to have met a wonderful woman, and mother as your MOM Prayers and thoughts for all of the Eydes a this time
.
Judy Nouhan
December 28, 2020 at 5:52 pmI was shocked and saddened to hear about your Moms passing.
I looked forward to family partys to get my special hug. She always made me feel so special and that she was just as excited to see me as I was her. She was Gentle, kind, loving and the real deal, just like your Dad. I love that memories are forever, and mine are already tucked away in me heart . My prayers for her soul and your wonderful familys.
Alexis Vennard
December 28, 2020 at 8:20 pmOh, Carol and Chris…and families.
My heart goes out to you all.
I lost my mom 2 years ago on October 17th.
Just spent out third Christmas without her.
It’s not easy.
I cry at the oddest times.
I was told to let the sadness roll through me rather than resist it. I suggest you do, too.
I will be thinking of you.
No one can know the pain of losing a mama unless they have lived it.
Sending love and light and strength and courage…and much, much comfort…