Kay A. Root was born November 3, 1943 in Paterson, N.J. To Clark Alfred Williams and Emma Catherine Wert Williams. The family resided in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. In 1952 the family moved to Cortland, NY which Kay called home until after college when she moved to the Syracuse area and began her career in education and library management. She was awarded degrees from both SUNY Cortland (BS in Elementary Education) followed by Syracuse University (Masters in Library Science). Her ultimate job was running the Library system at the VA Hospital in Syracuse.
After retirement she and her husband, John W. Root spent many happy years traveling, attended plays at all of the local theaters and throughout the North East. That was coupled with John’s first love, local sports, baseball with his son, season tickets at Chief’s Stadium, Skiing, SU basketball (season tickets going back to Manley Field House) where Kay, always the good sport, started knitting caps for the players and as a result received the nickname, “Dome Knitter” which she loved and played to the hilt, including a large orange Afro wig which she wore with pride at all of the home games as recorded by many TV clips. There seats were under one of the baskets at both Manley and later the Dome.
Along with all of that Kay made time for many service groups in the area, including: Liverpool Lady Elks Auxiliary (Secretary), American Legion Auxiliary, Onondaga County Auxiliary (Secretary), Post Unit 1276 (President), Onondaga County Unit (President), 5th District (President), Village Green HOA (Secretary), and 8 & 40 (Post Chapeaux).
Kay was predeceased by her parents Clark and Emma Williams and her Husband John W. Root.
She is survived by her Sister Joan Oliver (David), and brother Tom Williams (Jean) along with her Step-son John M. Root (Kathleen) and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Calling hours and a service will be conducted at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 North Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212 between 10 AM and Noon on Monday July 1 2024. Interment to follow at the convenience of the family.
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