Kay Lent Obituary

A year and a day: April 29, 2021
I met Ed and Kay in the 1990 in Las Cruces. NM.
Such gentle souls. Loved both.

I first met Kay and Ed when I was 14. My mom and I were arguing about how anti-social I was while in line at a Starbucks. At the time, I was a typical teenager. Frustrated about everything with little ability to change the things around me. I vaguely remember telling my mom that I wished I just had better friends. Like in a movie, while I was talking she spotted Kay and Ed playing chess in the corner. She tuned me out, walked up to them and asked if they wanted to teach me chess once a week. So began a nearly 15 year friendship.
For nearly four years before I went to college, I played chess once a week with Kay and Ed. Chess became a living, ever changing metaphor : it highlighted my insecurities, the importance of strategy, the need for discipline in my life. We talked about everything from God to injustice, about high school drama to even theoretical physics. They quickly became my best friends. Through our chess games, I met a wide range of amazing individuals. From artists to accountants, former drug addicts to world class professors, people from all over the world and from all walks of life were drawn to Kay and Ed.
From Ed, I learned how to listen and to have patience in the game. I learned how to be grateful for my body as I delicately moved his pieces for him across the board. From Kay I learned how to practice joy and practice justice. Joy for all the beautiful things in the world that we so often overlook: a nice breeze, a good cup of coffee, a feeling of being heard while telling a story. Kay would often point these moments out to me an exclaim "Oh, how wonderful!" Her eyebrow shooting upwards, her eyes lighting up and her mouth took a deep breath in before breaking into a smile and a soft giggle. The justice was in caring for the most unwanted and hurt members of society, always.
When Ed passed away, Kay and I had to learn how to be friends with just each other. The first time we met after he died, I could tell we were both nervous. What would this friendship be without him? Kay and I transformed our friendship from one of magical moments, to one of family. Going home to El Paso was not complete without a meeting with Kay. I introduced her to my husband and soon after to my little daughter. She became in many ways a grandmother, a sister and an inspiration. I could never believe all the things she was doing: advocating for immigrants in concentration camps, taking classes at UTEP, and of course playing chess at every chance she got. She inspired me to love more, to give more and to care about humanity with all my being.
The last time I saw her was in December while she was recovering from one of her latest health issues. One of my favorite life lessons that Kay taught me was how to say "I love you" without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. She would say it with her heart, her normal smile would drop and her eyes would lock with mine. No matter who she said it to, it was always a shift, a pause, a moment of intention. It was a serious moment of truly communicating her love. Right before I said goodbye after our last time together, she said it to me in a crowd of people. Friends had come from all over the city to get a game of chess with Ms. Kay. I could not believe that even my librarian from middle school knew her and was there for a visit! In the midst of all the love and excitement to be around her, Kay paused and the room froze. She told me loved me and then gave me a big smile as I waved goodbye while leaving the room.
A part of us always knew for years that every visit could be the last visit. The expectation of her death does not make her passing comforting nor easy. Rather is knowing that she was so loved and loved in return that makes her leaving this world easier. I pray that her remaining family can take some comfort in these stories and that during these hard times of the pandemic they can find some solace. I love you , Kay.

My deepest condolences for Kay's Family and friends. She was an inspiration, mentor and friend to many of us. I last saw Kay in September as agreed to meet for coffee down town El Paso, and she was full of smiles and words of wisdom. I will miss our talks, but I will hold on to her words or wisdom and her advice.

We met at the 7 am daily mass at St Patricks cathedral years ago. She was a soft-spoken friendly woman, always very pleasant and a good listener. Wed sometimes walk out together and share. I was hoping to run into her as soon as the quarantine ended! Enjoy every little piece of heaven you brought here! God delights in your life!

Kay and I entered the Maryknoll Sisters on December 30, 1958 in Valley Park, Missouri. Many years later, we both left Maryknoll and although she lived in El Paso and I in Boston and later in Brooklyn, we remained friends. I could recount many funny, light hearted adventures we had, and while that certainly was a large part of Kay, it was not, in my estimation, what defined her loving nature, positive, seeing the good in everyone and forgiving everything else. She did not take herself seriously, was light-hearted, gentle and kind. Kay leaves behind goodness and enormous love. I am blessed to have known her for over sixty years.

Kay, it was an Honor & Unique privilege to have worked with you at Hotel Dieu Hospital & again at Providence Memorial Hospital!!!! You were such a Fantastic Social Worker and the patients really appreciated you. That smile and simple laugh was unique to you!!!! Rest in God's arms, dear friend! Lucy Campos, RN, BSN!

Her admirable energy and commitment to be involved in the work of the Catholic Church and witness His love for all of us will make me remember her lovingly until we meet again.
Beatriz

We first met in Valley Park in 1958, then we met again in 1968, this time in Austin, Texas. Consu said we should get together as after all, we both lived in TEXAS. (El Paso and San Antonio are about 600 miles apart, Consu!!) We did so many things together, husbands were great friends, two sons each in the same grades and same schools, CCD classes, graduations. We had Christmas morning buffet at your home for many years. We lived a block away from each other.
When we left El Paso for the Pacific northwest, you joined us here for a very special reunion. We returned to El Paso to join you and the special friends there a few times. A very special gift was your "clearing your calendar" for my last solo visit.
We can only imagine your reunions, in a place we cannot imagine, and rejoice in the joy that must be yours after your lifetime of giving to so many and in so many ways.

We first met in Missouri in 1958, then we met again in 1968, this time in Austin, Texas. Consu said we should get together as after all, we both lived in TEXAS (El Paso to San Antonio are 600 miles apart, Consu!!) We did so many things together, husbands who were great friends, two sons each in the same schools, CCD classes, graduations. We had Christmas morning buffet at your home for many years, a block from our home. Then when we left for the pacific NW, you joined us here once, and 3 or 4 times we went back to El Paso to join you and the CCC friends there. Nothing more precious than your "clearing your calendar" for me on my last solo trip to see you. Imagine you and Ed in another place we cannot imagine, and rejoice in the joy that must be yours after the several years of health issues that tried to slow you down from all your good and loving deeds. Much love, Marty

Forever in my heart and in my prayers my sweet abuela. Love you and miss you, God bless you. Rest in peace.

I have fond memories of our adventures and misadventures in the State Capital when we went for training for a month. We were young, idealistic, and compassionate. You always kept that kindness and compassion for your clients. You are always in my heart. Rest in Peace dear friend.

Ivonne