Obituary of Kay Tyrpa

Kay Tyrpa, born Frances Katharine Randall, a 'hayseed' from Finlayson, Minnesota (later Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center, Maple Grove and Sunrise Golden Valley), passed September 5 among family after a hospice of her own choosing. She was 91. Kay regained her lifetime measure of strength and independence for her final choice: of when it was time to go and how. She proceeded to handle it with a stunning grace that helped us all with acceptance. Kay participated in her own nine-day celebration of life and counted her blessings throughout, continually exclaiming what wonderful people she has had in her life. She sends love and thanks to you all from beyond.

A collector: of people, of stuff, of their stories and of what makes them all priceless. A country girl, Kay spent her life chasing everything that bore the touch and feel of the old country life or the impassioned innocence of her childhood: a country farm, a one-room schoolhouse, a wood stove country kitchen and the antique treasures that populated them. A people person who loved your story, she collected a loyal following of family and friends, equal parts devoted, charmed and amused. She might have been the most Christmassy person you ever knew. A gloriously quirky creator of inventions and know-how for just the right way to do things. Alarmingly tireless. A real believer in family. Legend is already forming about her smile and laughter.  

Kay was the last of her generation on either side of our family. She was preceded in death in 1995 by her husband of 38 years, Harry. Her parents John and Martha, all six of her siblings, Jack, MaryLou, Joanne, Daniel, Robert, Virginia, all of her in-laws, five nieces and nephews and even four great nieces and nephews plus a fast-increasing count of wonderful friends have all gone on before her.

The living beholders of the legacy: her son, Glenn, his wife Ania and Kay's two grandchildren, Ian and Nina, plus 18 deeply loved nieces and nephews, countless great and great-great nieces and nephews and a list of well-earned friends that was still growing even in her final weeks and months.

The celebration of life goes on, including a gathering for family, friends, acquaintances and all others slated for Saturday, December 28 at Rush Creek GC Maple Grove. Expect Christmas, chit chat, laughs, stories, a few serious words, a prayer or two, Christmas ornaments, an OIW making station (IYKYK and IYD, come find out), some food and more. Bring your stories to share. Internment of cremains at Fort Snelling summer 2025.

Details will follow;  place yourself on her son's distribution list for further information at his email: first name dot last name at gmail dot com   or via facebook messenger.