| Date of Birth | March 2, 1924 |
| Passed Away | January 26, 2017 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | January 28, 2017 |
| Service Time | 3 p.m. |
| Service Location | Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Fremont |
ESTHER HOLLANDS KAYS
HORNELL-Esther Hollands Kays, 92, formerly of Thacher St. and a resident of Elderwood at Hornell, passed away peacefully, in the presence of her loving family, Thursday morning (Jan. 26, 2017) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.
Born in Ithaca on March 2, 1924, Esther has resided in Hornell since the age of 13 and was adopted by the late M. Louise Hollands. She was also predeceased by her first husband, 2nd Lieutenant Harry Vanderhoff, who was killed in action during World War II, her second husband, Joseph E. Kays, who passed away in 2006; also her son, Lance Corporal Donald Vanderhoff, her daughter, Helen “Sunny†Vanderhoff, her brother, Donald Hollands as well as her two great-grandchildren.
She was a graduate of Hornell High School and owned and operated for about 10 years The Browse House, an antique shop, originally located on Church Street and later on Seneca Street in Hornell.
Esther also dedicated her life to her family and was very proud being a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Throughout the years she volunteered her time with several different organizations in the community. She loved animals, especially cats, dogs and horses.
Her loving family includes her three surviving children, Stephen (Sue) Kays of Almond, Michael (Judy) Kays of York, Pa. and Laurie Kays of Canaseraga; also her 10 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Esther Hollands Kays.
Calling hours are 1- 3 p.m. Saturday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral and committal service will be held following calling hours at 3 p.m. Saturday, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 14843 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14620. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Her family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Randhawa, Dr. Hariprasad, Michael Mathieson, PA, nurse Melissa and the staff of the second floor of St. James Mercy Hospital for the wonderful care they gave to Esther before she passed away.
Esther was a very nice lady . Her and your Dad (Joe) were truly a great couple : terrific people . I liked them both. I am sure they are Happy to be together again ! Jim Harrick , Hornell …
Steve, Mike and Laurie,
My thoughts are with you at this time of loss. I will always have fond memories of growing up in our neighborhood and time spent with you and your parents.
The care, support and guidance of your mother and father is part of the reason that being raised in Hornell was a special experience.
Out thoughts and prayers are with you.
So Sorry for your loss. Our prayers to all the family. The Cameron Family
We are so sorry to hear of Esther’s passing. She was one of our friends from our school years at Hornell High School.
Our hearts and prayers are with her family and friends.