Katherine (Kay) A. Lesnick

Katherine Ann Wheeler Lesnick, known affectionately as Aunt Kay of Seymour, CT. and Pompano Beach, FL., passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on February 2, 1934, in Shelton, CT, the daughter of the late Henry Lester and Catherine (Kennelly) Wheeler. Kay dedicated her life to her family, faith, and community.

She was the beloved wife of the late Donald Lesnick and is survived by her devoted daughter and caregiver, Kathryn (Walter) Grabowski of Pompano Beach, FL., a caring son David Lesnick (Kelly) of Southbury, CT., her five loving grandchildren Corissa (Michael) Benn of Exton, Pa., Jordan (Pam) Grabowski of Lake Worth, FL., Lukacz (Chloe) Grabowski of Tampa, FL., Camryn Grabowski-Vachette (Theo) of Pembroke Pines, FL., and Kyle Lesnick of Seymour, CT., her six cherished great-grandchildren Carter and Hayden Benn, Iliana, Niko, Stefano and Maria Grabowski. Also surviving are several special nephews, nieces and cousins especially Tim and Carl Wheeler (nephews) who were very close to Aunt Kay, they spoke often up until the day before her passing, Paul Browning (cousin) and his wife Gail always made time to spend with Kay they all loved their “Aunt Kay”. She will especially be missed by her adoring dog Crickett.

In addition to her beloved husband Donald, she was predeceased by a brother Herbert L. Wheeler and sister-in-law Rene, a sister Margaret A. Pace and brother-in-law Carl, two nephews James (JJ) Wheeler and Richard (Slick) Wheeler A woman of great spirit, Kay was an avid bowler and a passionate fan of both the Boston Red Sox and Miami Dolphins. Kay was a Super Phins Fan with her season tickets and attended games with costumes and Dolphin Teal and Orange hair weekly. She was well known there too. Kay has faith that eventually, her team would win another Super Bowl. Hopefully, now she will provide some divine intervention to bring that dream to life.

Her deep faith was exemplified through her service as a Eucharistic Minister at the Church of the Good Shepherd/St. Nicholas Parish. Kay's commitment to her church extended to her role as Past President and member of The Ladies Society at Good Shepherd Church. Kay organized the Bingo at Good Shepherd and ran the Social Calendar for the CYO programs with the outings to NYC for concerts and Tree lightings as well many ski trips to Vt., where buses of Youth and a few chaperones enjoyed themselves (still talk about it to this day)

Kay helped form the Good Shepherd “Lions” Basketball and Cheer Program and ran CYO for years. She held an annual competition with the crowning of “Miss Cheerleader” as a highlighted event. In Florida, her service to God and community included her work for St. Vincent DePaul and the Serra Club, being part of the CCW, charter member of the Columbiettes and an Usher at St. Gabriel’s Church. Her enthusiastic support of the men’s club concert series also enabled her to touch so many lives.

In her Connecticut community, Kay served as a school crossing guard for 20 years at Bungay School She worked as the kitchen supervisor at Woodhaven Country Club, where she brought people together through her vibrant personality. She held the position of Chairman of the Town of Seymour Recreation Committee for 11 years. She was an active and charter member of the Great Hill Hose Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary and the Drillmaster of The White Hills Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary, as well as the Red Hats of Seymour. She cherished every moment spent with family and friends and was always ready with a kind word and a warm smile. She loved her neighbors on Elaine Dr., where every child in the yard was treated like her own.

In Pompano Beach, FL, Kay will be dearly missed by her neighbors and friends at Oceanside North. Kay served on the board of directors of ONA for many years, as well as being the enthusiastic social director for the condo. She was always planning the next party to bring the residents together for socializing and fun.

Kay's legacy of love, service, and dedication to her community and family will forever be cherished and in our hearts. We know she is joyfully doing the twist in heaven, surrounded by the angels.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Miller-Macari Family Funeral Home, 260 Bank St., Seymour, CT 06483. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am at Church of the Good Shepherd/St. Nicholas Parish, 135 Mountain Rd., Seymour, CT., to celebrate Kay's remarkable life. Interment in the family plot will follow at Mountain Meadows Cemetery, 117 Mountain Rd., Seymour, Ct. 

 More Information will follow and be announced when a Memorial Service is scheduled to celebrate the life, of our beloved Kay in Pompano Beach, FL.

A special thanks to everyone at Vitas Healthcare Hospice and Palliative Care of Pompano Beach, FL., Dr. Jack Kravitz, Nurses-Maureen and Janielle, HHA’s-Jocelyne, Esther, Jacqueline, Isis, Chaplain Michelle and the entire team 156.

“It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.” ~ Admiraal Grace Hopper

Memorial Donations in Kay’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box6704, Hagerstown, MD2.,1741. The American Heart Association. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, Great Hill Hose Company, 140 Botsford, Rd, Seymour, CT 06483 or White Hills Fire House, 2 School Rd., Shelton, CT 06484.