Gay L. Kielbania

Gay Lenore Kielbania, 79, of Boca Raton, Florida, peacefully passed away on June 26, 2024.

Gay was born on July 12, 1944 to Mary and Edward Benson in Lansing, Michigan. After Gay graduated from Coral Gable High School in 1962, she started her first job at South Miami National Bank.

In 1962, Gay met Kenneth F. Kielbania and they married on February 1, 1964. Gay and Kenneth went on to have 3 children, Karoline, Katherine and Kristine.

Shortly after being married Gay became a military wife and was stationed in Germany for 3 years with Ken who served in the U.S. Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, Gay moved to Fort Lauderdale with her family.

Behind every good man is a great woman. Gay was instrumental in her husband becoming a lawyer. Daily she recorded all legal text books onto tapes so that Ken could listen and study during his daily 115 mile drive to attend evening law classes at University of Miami.

Gay worked as an investment broker in partnership with her spouse Ken for over 45-years. Gay was a woman of firsts; one of the first female NYSE investment brokers, first female NYSE manager, and, ultimately, first female vice president for a national investment firm.

In 2010, Gay retired and spent her time gardening, ocean cruising, traveling and in membership activities with the DAR and, also, the Mayflower Society.

Though small in stature Gay was big hearted and vibrant, and radiated light. Her perpetual smile and captivating eyes were so stunning she would light up the whole room. Gay was a beautiful person inside and out as she accepted everyone with kindness and an open heart and open arms. She had immense passion for her family and cared deeply for the people around her. She made a tremendous impact on many lives and will be forever missed.

Gay was predeceased by her granddaughter Devon Kurlander, daughter Karoline Kurlander, eldest brother Ronald Benson, Sr., eldest sister Barbara Benson-Wymer, and her parents Mary and Edward. Gay is survived by her spouse Kenneth, daughters Katherine Danio and Kristine (Rich) Edmundson, grandchildren David Kurlander, Felicia Danio, Carina Cupelli, and Matthew Cupelli, great granddaughter Shiloh Bicknell, and siblings Marilyn Suriano and Louis (Marcia) Benson.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 12 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 21689 Toledo Rd., Boca Raton, FL followed by internment at 12:30 p.m. at The South Florida National Cemetery 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to DAR Halpatiokee Chapter Scholarship Fund at 895 SW Rustic Circle, Stuart, FL 34997.

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