TUCSON, AZ - Kathleen (Kay) Vassallo, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2016. Kay was born on August 6, 1926 in Newport, Wales to the late Arthur and Amy (Lander) Jellyman. She grew up in Gloucester, England and was working at the Gloucester Telephone Exchange when she met an American serviceman, Charles Vassallo, at a USO dance. In 1947, they were united in marriage in Racine, WI. After an illness, Charles passed away in 1952. In 1953, Kay was united in marriage to Vincent Vassallo. After raising 5 children, Kay returned to the workforce and got her first job in retail, which became a passion in her life for over twenty years. In Racine, she was employed by Shorecrest Royal Crown, and later, Rades Jewelers. When she and Vincent moved south, she worked at what would become one of her favorite jobs, The Card Gallery, in St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota Florida. When Vincent became ill, they returned to Racine, and after his death in 1991, Kay relocated to Tucson, Arizona in 1996. She took up a successful final career doing market research surveys, which she loved, finally retiring at the age of 87! Kay is survived by her 5 children - Robert (Sheila) Vassallo of Kenosha, Susan Tarwid, Jean Vassallo, Pad Vassallo, all of Tucson, and Nancy (Paul) Meylink of Elkhorn; eight grandchildren, who fondly refer to her as Nana - Jennifer (Bill Branson) Vincent, Kristine Herman, Angela (Michael Clark) Herman, Cymbaline Urban, Destiny Vassallo, Alexander Meylink, Derek Norman, and Peter Meylink; 4 great grandchildren - Isaiah Grandberry, Jadyn Grandberry, Luka Vassallo, and Beckett Clark. Kay is also survived by her brother Richard (Louise) Jellyman, of Clinton, MA, as well as sisters-in-law Ann Morkert, Bette Schulz, and brother-in-law, Edward Floyd all of Racine and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, Kay was also preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Donald and Cecily Jellyman of Wales, her son-in-law David Tarwid, her sister-in-law Marie Floyd, and her brothers-in-law Melvin Morkert and Edward Schulz. Kay was a talented knitter and seamstress and an incredible saleswoman. She was a self-taught piano player who played by ear and sounded like a pro. She loved her books and keeping up with family and friends through Facebook, eagerly awaiting new updates and pictures which brought her great joy. Family remember her wonderful holiday meals followed by walks around the bay. Kay was a great conversationalist, a generous and kindhearted soul whose joviality continues to uplift our hearts and minds. She will be deeply missed. A memorial celebration will be held in Racine later this summer. "A chapter completed, a page turned. A life lived and a rest well earned."