Francine Louise Kay

Francine Louise Kay, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with her daughters by her side, at her home in West Branch, Michigan. She was born on June 13, 1943, in Bay City, Michigan to Francis and Anastasia Drzyzga.

Francine devoted her life to education and to the care of others, building a long and meaningful career as a teacher. She graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1961 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University in 1968, later completing her Master of Science in Education there in 1981. She taught second grade at Boxman Elementary Schools in Bay City, taught second grade in Farwell and the Head Start Program, and served as a substitute teacher at Clare Schools. She then gave 25 years of dedicated service to Hale Area Schools, retiring in 2003. She taught kindergarten, 5th grade, 6th grade, and the summer school program.

Her work as an educator was marked by excellence, leadership, and deep care for her students. Francine participated in Social Studies and Reading programs through the State of Michigan. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Iosco Reading Council. In recognition of her gifts as a teacher, she received the Best of the Best Outstanding Teachers award from the State of Michigan and was also honored as Educator of the Year by the Iosco County Reading Council and Hale Middle School.

Beyond the classroom, Francine remained active and generous in her community. During her retirement years, she worked at Rose Valley Winery and did bookkeeping for St. Vincent DePaul. She loved to volunteer and gave her time faithfully to St. Vincent DePaul, the West Branch Art Association, Samantha’s Purse at the Methodist Church, and Victorian Manor, where she served as a board member. Her willingness to help wherever she was needed reflected a life guided by service, compassion, and involvement in the community around her.

Francine found joy in the beauty of the natural world and in time spent with those she loved. She enjoyed mushroom hunting in Michigan for morals, gardening, and nature, and she especially loved living in the woods and country. She also enjoyed traveling throughout most of the 50 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. Above all, she loved her family. She treasured attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, performances, and activities, and found great happiness in gathering with family for holidays and birthdays.

She is survived by her daughters, Stephanie (Daniel) Frye, Yevette Bradley, and Jennifer Kolodziejski; her granddaughter, Lillian Bradley; and her sister-in-law, Jan Drzyzga. She is also survived by 6 nieces, 3 nephews, and 28 grandnieces and grandnephews. Her family was at the center of her life, and the love she gave so freely will remain a lasting gift to those who knew her best.

Francine was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Anastasia Drzyzga; her brothers, Paul (Helen) Drzyzga and Peter Drzyzga; her sisters, Peggy (Roy) Schiller and Joan (Charlie) Zieter; and her granddaughter, Ashley Malin. Their memories remained part of the story of her life and the family she cherished so deeply.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 961 West Houghton Avenue, West Branch. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Fr. Al Pillarelli will officiate. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in West Branch.

Francine will be remembered as a devoted teacher, a caring volunteer, a woman who loved the outdoors and travel, and a beloved mother, grandmother, and family member. Her life was one of steady service, warm devotion, and enduring love.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic School in West Branch and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com