Kay Laube O'Connell

Kay Laube O’Connell, loving wife to Richard, mother to four and grandmother to six, passed away July 30, 2025, in Tucson, AZ. The family wants to thank Dr. Natalie Stanton and the healthcare teams at Arizona Blood & Cancer, TMC and Peppi’s House Hospice for their many efforts.

Kay Arlene Laube was born July 6, 1949, in Allegheny County, PA to parents Richard G. Laube and Dorothy Livingston Laube. Family living in the PA area includes sister, Amy Thiry, and brother, Richard G. Laube, Jr. She married Richard Brian O’Connell on June 10, 1972, in Freeport, PA. She is survived by her mother, husband, daughter Cecilia (Edward) Moore and their children Julia, Madelyn, Aubrey, Oliver, and Rebecca, of Tucson, AZ, daughter Sarah O’Connell of Worthington, PA, son John (Tina) O’Connell and their son Kieran of Seattle, WA, and son Charlie O’Connell of Tucson, AZ.

Her 53-year marriage brought her many joys. One of her main loves was sewing, crafting and creating for her family and friends. She also helped many people through extensive volunteering and community service. She supported the Girl Scouts and local charities including ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), MH-MR (Mental Health-Mental Retardation), librarian for St. Mary’s School in Freeport, PA.

After earning her BS/MS in mathematics at The University of Denver, she received a teacher’s certificate in 1972. Following accounting courses, she worked as a tax preparer for H&R Block. After moving to Tucson in 2018, she volunteered preparing individual tax returns for the Catholic Charities and VITA.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends in Tucson. In lieu of flowers, the family would like any charitable donations made to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona or the Arbor Day Foundation.