Kay S Chrissis, 83, of Nashua NH passed away peacefully in her sleep January 2, 2024.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 30, 1940, she is the daughter of the late Theodore Schirnhofer and the late Edith (Stoy) Schinrhofer. Kay was raised in Pittsburgh and attended Avalon High School where she played the clarinet in the school marching band.
After graduation in 1958, Kay worked for May Sterns, Plaid Stamps and Allegheny Ludlum Steel.
On February 24th, 1962, at West View Presbyterian Church, Kay married Michael Chrissis, the love of her life, in a small ceremony. Kay would later become a Deacon in the same church.
Kay loved music, organ music in particular, and during her time in Fort Wayne, Indiana she would often open the window at the church office she worked in so she could listen to the music from the weekly organ practice and the periodic organ competitions held there.
Kay and Michael moved often throughout their marriage and at every new city Kay would join the local newcomer’s committees so she could quickly acclimate to her new town and get involved fast.
Kay started a fifteen year journey as a volunteer with the Girl Scouts as a troop leader in Marietta, Ohio. Kay continued as a troop leader through various cities until arriving in Nashua in 1986 where she would become Community Chairman of the Swift Water Girl Scout Council, volunteering even long after her children were no longer involved.
Kay’s love for people shined through in everything she did especially through her charity work, donations, and volunteering. Kay was constantly involved within the community in which she was living including volunteering for PTA, churches, and other charities as she saw the need. In Nashua, she always found the time to knit hats to donate for preemies as well as hats and scarves for the Nashua Soup Kitchen, Veterans organizations, and the Grey Nuns. Her love for strangers and the people in her life was recognized, not just by the people who met her, but also by WZID who awarded her an Outstanding Woman award for her charitable efforts in 2014. Her caring and generous nature inspired everyone she met.
Kay kept busy with many hobbies. She was an avid reader, keeping her mind sharp with historical non-fiction and mysteries. She was a talented seamstress, making her own clothes from a young age and then for her children as they grew up. She was also an exceptional quilter. She enjoyed making quilts as gifts but especially liked making prayer quilts for the sick and terminally ill. Kay was a skilled cook and baker, often bringing food to people as a way to show her love and appreciation for them or to make their life a little easier during difficult times.
Kay is survived by her daughters, Julie Chrissis of Manchester NH, Kathleen Chrissis of Exeter NH, her husband Michael Chrissis of Nashua NH, and Richard Schirnhofer of Pittsburgh PA.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday January 12th, 2024 in the SHAW CHAPEL of the First Church, 1 Concord Street, Nashua NH. Family and friends are welcome to calling hours from 1-2pm, immediately followed by a funeral service, and burial at Edgewood Cemetery. Kay loved bright and cheerful colors, so please feel free to wear color in her honor. Kay did not believe in flowers at funerals. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.
