As summer gives way to another beautiful fall in Virginia Beach, it is the appropriate season to remember and reflect upon a once avid summer beach go-er whose soul has fairly recently entered a new season—a season of re-uniting with her beloved husband, Chuck, and family in the next life.

Kay Meyer passed away May 9, 2024, in Virginia Beach.  She was born May 26, 1944, in Bloomington, Illinois, the youngest child of three.  Her parents were Anthony and Catherine Ottis, an inventor and a nurse.  Kay was a graduate of Trinity High School in Bloomington.  She attended Illinois State University.  She was adventurous at a young age and longed to see the sea!

Kay’s life loves were:  her Navy husband, Chuck Meyer, originally of Minnesota and a retired Navy Chief and dedicated volunteer at the Virginia Aquarium; the ocean and beach; decorating her home, particularly for Christmas (up to 7 themed trees!); and her many pets over the years, including several golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and some random cats who supervised the dogs.  Kay and Chuck’s son, Michael, was particularly fortunate to be raised by Kay and Chuck in both Minnesota and Virginia Beach.  Kay transferred her love of the beach and water to Michael, who is eternally grateful for this gift.  Kay was also a mother-in-law, to Sherry Meyer, and a grandmother, to Maribella Meyer.  She and Chuck enjoyed visiting many of the places Sherry and Michael were stationed while they moved with the Air Force.

During her professional life, Kay was the proud and motivated Director of Volunteer services at two local hospitals—Chesapeake General and Virginia Beach General Hospitals, for almost thirty years between the two.  There, she not only led her Volunteer Services department, with volunteers serving all over the hospital, but also engaged in several public relations duties on behalf of the hospital administrations.  She often assisted families from out of town who suffered medical emergencies and tragedies while visiting Virginia Beach.  In her later years, she was joyously associated with the nonprofit Virginia Organizing, where she helped organize and work an annual fundraising yard sale to benefit citizens in the local community.  She and Chuck’s beautiful home served as a beaconing call to welcome neighbors, friends, and dedicated community volunteers.  Kay set an example of determination in life, as well as fun by such things as learning to ski in her 30’s and yearning for a life of freedom near the Virginia Beach seafront.  Her legacy is the love she showed for animals, the ocean, and service, which she instilled in her son, a retired Air Force officer, and those she met and helped along the way.

She was predeceased by her parents, her daughter Karen Ann, and several pets who likely welcomed her upon her entry into heaven in May.  Kay is survived by her son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, her sister Nancy and brother Paul, and many loyal and generous friends, who themselves epitomized service and compassion in lending Kay assistance the last several years of her life.

The family held a private Celebration of Life, this summer, to honor this remarkable woman.  Anyone remembering and celebrating Kay should consider a donation to their favorite animal-oriented charity.