ROCKPORT — Kay G. Warren, 70, died peacefully at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor Jan. 22, following a long, fierce and personal battle with multiple cancers.

Born in Masillon, Ohio, June 11, 1942, she was the daughter of Raymond and Florence Wechter Gepfert. Educated in Ohio, she was a 1960 graduate of Beach City High School, where she played tenor sax in the band.

After graduating, she attended Kent State College for a brief time and then Canton College Secretarial School before moving to Washington, D.C., where she began her legal secretary career with the Federal Communication Commission. While there, Kay met fellow employee and Islesboro/Rockland émigré' David W. Warren Jr. The two were married in 1968, and continued their careers in Washington until mid-1980, when Mr. Warren retired.

Following his retirement, the couple moved to Rockport, where Kay embraced the Midcoast community immediately. She became a member of the Pen Bay Medical Center team, serving in the Materials Management Department for more than 30 years. She was active in the Maine Federation of Women's Clubs, serving as president at both the local and state levels. Kay was also involved with the Knox County Republicans, serving as secretary and assisting as a ward clerk during elections.

In the Midcoast, Kay was perhaps best known as the coordinator for the Maine Lobster Festival Sea Goddess Pageant. Throughout her 20 years in this position, Kay dedicated countless hours to mentoring and preparing all of "her girls," making sure the coronation went off with out a hitch. She made many friends and took great pride in her girls. Kay also loved parades, and always rode in the Maine Lobter Festival Parade, and last year had the honor of riding in the Thomaston Fourth of July Parade.

Predeceased by her husband in 2004; and a step-son, David W. Warren III; she is survived by a step-son, Heath 'Ted' Warren and his wife, Amy, of St. Inigoes, Md.; two grandchildren, Aric Farmer and Adam Farmer (Lauren), both of Maryland; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Hayden Farmer, also of Maryland; and three special friends who helped look after Kay, Joe and Linda Bodnar of Rockland and Sheila Witham of Owls Head. She also leaves many dear and caring friends from her activities in the Maine Federation of Women's Clubs, her Penobscot Bay Medical Center family and her other varied associations throughout her life. Kay was an engaged and engaging person.

Kay's family also expressed extreme gratitude for the wonderful, compassionate care she received from the doctors and nurses within the Eastern Maine Medical Center Palliative Care Program, as well as the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit. They said the gentle way they helped Kay come to terms with her last days was just the loving, guiding hand she needed at that time.

A gathering of love and remembrance will be announced in June. Private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to EMMC Palliative Care Program, c/o EMMC Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931.

To share a memory or condolence with Kay's family, visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.