SALEM - Katherine “Kay” Murray Phelps, 82, of Salem, died peacefully on August 22, 2010. Kay was born in Salem to William H. and Martha (Weston) Murray. She attended local schools, graduating from Salem High School Class of 1945 before graduating from Boston University. In 1950, she married the late Charles Walton Phelps, her high school sweetheart. Her happiest times were always spent with Charlie and their family.
Kay was an ardent reader and enjoyed a wide variety of needlework and crafts. She was a talented seamstress and knitter who loved making creative clothing for her family and for children of all ages, and spent many years serving and supporting a variety of community projects.
Kay was predeceased by her beloved husband Charlie, her parents, her only sister, Elizabeth (Murray) Macy, and one niece, Elizabeth (Macy) Sandvig.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Sue (Phelps) Khoury and her life partner Jim Tylman of Harvest, AL, son John “Jethro” Murray Phelps and his wife Maureen (Manson) Phelps of Beverly, one cousin, Doris Finn of Gloucester, nieces Barbara (Macy) Parris of Antigua and Anni (Macy) Shelley and her husband Jeff of Seattle, WA, nephew Josiah Macy, also of Antigua, 4 great-nieces, 1 great-nephew, and several great-great nieces and nephews.
At Kay’s request, a private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and family members perform random acts of kindness in Kay’s memory. Arrangements are by the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. For on-line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.