In Loving Memory of Kay Wehking Dorr
October 6, 1940 – September 5, 2023
Our beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother (aka “nana”) Kay Wehking Dorr, passed away
peacefully at home in Pittsford, NY on September 5 th , 2023.
Kay was born on October 6, 1940 in the St. Louis, Missouri suburb of Kirkwood to her loving
parents Bill and Virgina Wehking. From her parents and her older sister Judy, she acquired a
love of the great outdoors and family, the importance of service to others, and her forever
positive outlook on life!
She was an avid girl scout and in her teenage years lifeguarded, played field hockey, and
modeled clothing alongside her sister Judy at a large department store in downtown St. Louis.
After graduating from Kirkwood High School in 1958 she attended the University of Missouri,
earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1962. During her time at “Mizzou”, she
was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, where she forged many lifelong
friendships. After graduation her passion for education took her to California to teach
elementary students in Santa Barbara and Berkely, before returning to teach in the suburbs of
St. Louis.
On December 17, 1965, Kay married the love of her life, George Garvin Dorr, beginning a
journey that would span 58 wonderful years. In 1966 they relocated to Rochester, NY and
settled in the suburb of Fairport, where they resided for 55 years at 26 Keswick Way before
moving to the Cloverwood Senior Living community in Pittsford, NY in 2022. Kay taught in
Fairport, Penfield, Webster, and Irondequoit before leaving teaching to focus on raising their
family. Throughout George’s career she prepared and hosted countless dinner parties at their
home for both colleagues, friends and customers, while also raising two children Bill (August,
1968) and Karen (February, 1975), volunteering with various organizations including the Fairport
PTA, and managing every aspect of their busy household.
One of the reasons that Kay and George’s marriage was so successful is because of their
shared passions, values, and faith. Their first date in 1964 was on the tennis court and they
played tennis both together and separately for the next 50 years. Kay loved nature, in particular
gardening and birds, passions that she shared with George. They both had a strong Christian
faith and attended the First Congregational Church of Fairport where Kay sang in the choir for
over 40 years, served on many boards and committees, and volunteered at church related
activities.
After joining Monroe Golf Club in 1980, Kay took up golf, which was George’s passion, and then
spent the next 40 years building friendships on the Monroe links while participating in what is
universally known as “a good walk spoiled”. At Monroe, Kay played in the women’s tennis and
golf leagues, enjoyed being involved in committees, and participated in women’s and couples’
events.
Kay enjoyed traveling both in the USA and internationally, with George, her children, family and
friends. She especially favored the mountains of Colorado and loved hiking amongst the flora
and fauna of the Rocky Mountains. For many decades, Kay and George would escape the cold
Rochester winter to another favorite locale, their condo on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Kay enjoyed walking the beach, collecting seashells, reading, and making new friends while
playing golf and tennis on the island.
Kays’ belief in serving others and in empowering women led to her years long involvement with
TWIG at Rochester General Hospital as well as her 30+ years volunteering at One World
Goods . In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests you to donate in Kay’s memory to either The
First Congregational Church of Fairport, or the National Audubon Society, or stop by One World
Goods in Pittsford Plaza and make a purchase
World Goods:
Pittsford plaza
3349 Monroe Ave.
Rochester NY, 14618
Check can be made out directly to them.
George is eternally thankful for Kay’s 58 years of loving companionship, unwavering support,
and tireless patience. Karen and Bill are forever grateful for their mother’s unconditional love,
compassionate guidance, joy of life, and endless encouragement which gave them a strong
foundation upon which to build their own lives.
Even in her last days Kay (wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend) was still teaching us
how to love and live. She will be missed by all who knew her and the next time we see a female
cardinal at the birdfeeder we will assume it is her checking in on us.
Kay is survived by her devoted husband, George, daughter Karen (Dan) Holland, son Bill (Heidi)
Dorr, and grandchildren Max and Molly Dorr. She is also survived by her sister Judy Pugh,
nephew John Pugh, and niece Christie Garzione.
A gathering of remembrance and celebration of Kay’s life will be held at Monroe Golf Club on
Saturday, September 9 th from 12-3pm. A buffet lunch and beverages will be available during the
celebration.
Comments
24 responses to “Dorr, Kay W.”
We are so sorry for your loss. Kay always had a smile on her face. Such a nice lady!
George, Bill, Karen and Judy the words of losing our long time Friend Kay are difficult to
Find. Our long years of friendship as well as wonderful memories of her laughter, kindness and sharing her happy spirit will resonate in our hearts for ever. Please accept Our Deepest, Sincere Sympathy and Love as you continue to heal and find Peace. ♥️
George, Bill, Karen & Bill
We hold many wonderful memories of Kay. Her Friendship, Laughter, & smile will be sadly missed. Our Deepest, Sincere, Heartfelt Sympathy.
Peace and Love ♥️
Kay was extraordinarily kind and supportive during my wild years of learning tennis. She was always curious and interested in the people around her, and just a rare ray of sunshine. What a loss.
I am a fellow volunteer at One World Goods. Kay was always smiling and a joy to be around. My sympathy to her family. I’m sure she will be missed
Kay was a ray of sunshine and a wonderful person to learn from at One World Goods. She did SO much to help share the mission and educate customers and volunteers alike. Generous with her time and energy, as well as George’s wonderful woodworking skills, Kay made a lasting impact on OWG. We had many laughs and hugs over the years and her kindness and friendship will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to George, Karen, Bill and the rest of her family.
So sorry for your loss. Kay was such a nice lady with always a nice, happy smile, and easy laugh. We always kidded together so easily in choir! (I always most generally seemed to be sitting behind her.) We will all miss her very much.
My sincerest condolences to George and family. Kay was definitely one of those unforgettable people. She will be missed by all who knew her.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
So sorry to hear about the passing Mrs. Door. Mrs. Door always had a big smile and an infectious laugh. Growing up a neighbor and babysitting a few times back in the day I remember her smile and laugh… Mrs. Door was always caring and had a positive outlook. God bless to Mr. Door, Bill, Karen and all those close to her.
To George, Bill, Karen and family, friends. We all have lost someone so special, so caring, so giving, so loving.A neighbor with a smile. We were on an Alaskan cruise when notified of Kay’s passing. Jim recalled Kay’s father teaching him to wallpaper and the time Kay and her mother were sunning in the backyard – he picked up Kay and tossed her in our pool! She never got angry. Kay was a great hostess
Kay, you are so loved by all who knew you.
I will always remember and cherish the bright light of happiness and goodness that shone from Kay. I am one of her Hilton Head buddies from Toronto and my husband David and I played tennis with George & Kay for many, many happy and fun hours and years. And it didn’t take long to become fast friends. It was clear from the beginning that Kay’s priorities were her family, her faith, her community, and her very effective top spin lob. What a blessing to have met Kay in this great big world and to share some of her life’s lessons. Deepest condolences to you George, and because we always got updates on the kids’ lives, I feel we know them as well and send our sympathies to all.
George, Barbara and I are so sad at the loss of Kay. We met you both by the luck of the draw on the tennis courts of Hilton Head Island about 15 years ago and it was instant friendship that prevailed over the years. Our favourite doubles partners!!! Kay always brought such a contagious spark of happiness and joy wherever she was and whatever she was doing. Already, she is sorely missed.
Our condolences to you and your family over her loss. She will always be with you.
It was always a delight to work with Kay at One World Goods. She was one of those people who was always smiling and full of stories. She contributed in many ways to One World Goods, and she will be missed. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
George, our condolences on your loss of Kay. May you and your family not only rejoice remembering the wondrous times but also now become restored in your forthcoming lives.
Mr Dorr, Bill and Karen,
I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs Dorr. Growing up in the neighborhood, she made a lasting impression. She was was always quick with a smile, a laugh that made you join in, always active and having a zest for life. I recently started taking tennis lessons and it made me think of her. With heartfelt sympathy, Beth
George, our condolences on your loss of Kay. May you and your family rejoice on the great times and simultaneously become restored in the weeks to come. Blessings! Muriel and Bob
Our deepest sympathies to you George and to your family and friends. In each other may you find comfort, strength and joy in remembrance of a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gerry & Margy
Played tennis with Kay for many years and alway and smile and laughter prevailed!
Wonderful memories ! Our sons were very good friends as well!
Such a loss for everyone who knew her!
Played tennis with Kay for many years and alway and smile and laughter prevailed!
Wonderful memories ! Our sons were very good friends as well!
Such a loss for everyone who knew her!
Kay’s easy laugh, ever-present smile and twinkle in her eye are the first things I think of when I imagine her. She was such a big part of One World Goods for many years. She undertook the huge job of coordinating events that featured our products and mission outside the store, at churches, nursing homes, schools, etc. It was a job not many people wanted to do but Kay did it with enthusiasm and carefully laid out plans. Her commitment was above and beyond, for sure. She was always willing to help out except on tennis days. Her contributions certainly help keep One World Goods humming along. She even got George in on the act making fixtures for the store that are still in use today! She has been missed. Condolences to her family, we were so lucky to have her as a part of our One World Goods family.
Dear George and family
I’m so sorry to learn of Kay’s passing. What a wonderful tribute you wrote for her. I hope you see the cardinal soon and often.
Kay always had a smile for me, knew my name, and went out of her way to be gracious when we met on the golf course at Monroe. It wont be the same without her for many of us who knew her, if only occasionally, Condolences to her loving family.
Daisy Guthin
We were just made aware of Kay’s passing. We would have been there for the celebration of
her life with your many friends and wonderful family. Your 58 years of marriage are a great
testament of your mutual love and commitment to each other. You are great role models of
a Life well lived. We both wish we could have gotten to know better. We wish George a return
to his golf and Tennis in the near future.
All our very Best! Ray & Erika Hutch
I am so sorry to hear about Kay’s passing. It’s true, she always had a smile and made me feel seen and welcomed. I appreciate the friendship George and Kay had with my parents over the years, despite the distance. I am praying for you all as you grieve this loss. Praying you will be flooded with peace and sweet memories of Kay. I am thankful she is with our Lord and Savior.