Acton, Kay Merlyn Age 92, of Roseville, MN passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024 surrounded by her adoring children. Born in Hallock, MN on January 22, 1932, Kay lived in Kennedy, MN before relocating to St. Anthony Park with her family during WWII. She attended Murray HS and the U of M, where she earned a degree in nursing and began a career as a public health nurse. On September 19, 1953 Kay married Roger Acton. Together they had five children and Kay's nursing career gave way to the full time job of raising a family. She and Roger built a cabin near Brainerd, MN and it became the focus of their weekends and summers. There Kay played guitar and sang folk songs with her young family. She taught countless children to swim, waterski, ice skate, and X-country ski. She was a master at toasting the perfect marshmallow. Kay found joy in each season of the north woods, delighting in quiet morning canoe rides in summer, the turning leaves of fall, sledding in winter, and the return of singing frogs each spring. After a 17 year hiatus, Kay re- entered the nursing field as a school nurse at Jackson Jr. High, and later Coon Rapids Middle School, where she worked until retirement. She later volunteered with Northeast Senior Services, providing free transportation to medical appointments for senior citizens, and lent her nursing skills to a medical mission trip to Honduras. Kay enjoyed meeting new people and learning about different cultures. She would become a host- mom to 8 foreign exchange students while raising her own children. She was an avid traveler, visiting all 7 continents, the last of which was Antarctica where she celebrated her 81st birthday. At a young age, Kay discovered her love of music while on a school field trip to the MN symphony. She became an accomplished pianist, sang in her school and church choirs and was a lifelong supporter of the Minnesota Orchestra. Kay delighted in all that life had to offer and truly made the most of her days on this earth. Survived by children, Cindy Acton, Patty Beaudry, Mary (Richard) Crist, Becky (Tony) Monteforte, and Tom Acton; Dutch daughter, Afke; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Wayne (Bonnie) Johnson; and sister, Susan Petropoulos. Preceded in death by parents, Merle and Nora Johnson; brother, Kurth; and former spouse, Roger Acton. Kay will be remembered every year when the frogs sing and the loons call. A memorial service will be held on April 19, 2024 at Faith United Methodist Church, 2708 33rd Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, with visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association. neptunesociety.com

Published on April 14, 2024