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Kay Van Cleave, 85, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully in Evanston, Ill., on Sept. 10, 2020, after courageously battling Parkinson’s disease. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her fighting for her family. She was born in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 12, 1935. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Nell Olmstead.

Kay is survived by her husband of over 18 years. John Van Cleave, her sons, Gill Livingston Jr., Marshall Livingston and husband, Jerry Malmo; her daughters, Meredith Fusco and husband, Chris, Betsy Stanley and husband Colan; grandchildren, Katherine, Gill III, Merrill, Christopher, Kendall, Madeline, Adair and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren Emma and Charlotte, all of whom she loved unconditionally and with all her heart.

Kay’s zest for life was infectious, and she enjoyed hosting dinners and cocktail parties always fashionably dressed with impeccable taste. She loved the beach and lived in Virginia Beach for many years until she moved to Chicago after marrying her current husband, John Van Cleave.

Due to her mother’s death of Alzheimer’s Disease, her passion later in life became the Alzheimer’s Association. She served as committee chair for the Alzheimer’s Gala for several years in Norfolk, and together with her husband, John, served as co-chairs for the Alzheimer’s Gala in Chicago.

A memorial service will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Virginia Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502. A link to donate is at https://www.alz.org/seva.