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W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

1700 Washington Ave

Rensselaer, New York

Katherine Moss Obituary

West Sand Lake-Katherine Ida (Burch) Moss, 85, of West Sand Lake, passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2025, of natural causes.

Born on May 7, 1940, in Hebron, NY, Kay was the seventh of ten children of Frank and Bertha Burch. She is survived by her siblings Beverly Tatko, Dickie Burch, and Susan Duskiewicz, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings Howard Burch, Barbara Allen, Larry Burch, Joyce Burch, Mary Lou Burch, and Ken Burch.

Kay was married to the late Gerald Moss for 35 years before they divorced. She is survived by their son Michael Moss and his wife, Tina Hoffman-Moss, and by her daughter Susan Burch. She was the proud and loving "Nama" to Michael's children Stacia, Garrett, and Nathaniel Moss.

In later years, Kay shared her life with her longtime partner, the late William Rogers, with whom she enjoyed many adventures and deep companionship until November 2024. Through William, she warmly welcomed his son Timothy Rogers (Nancy) and grandsons Nicholas (deceased) and Kyle into her extended family. Kay and William also created a cherished chosen family that included their "adopted" daughters, Albana Alla of Colorado, and Jacqueline Dorn of Troy, and Jacqueline's daughter, Isla Fagan.

Kay earned her master's degree in nursing and dedicated her career to caring for others-working in local hospitals and later as a nursing instructor at Hudson Valley Community College. She was a founding member and President of Moss Tubes, Inc., and served for many years on the committee of the New York State Professional Assistance Program.

A devoted patron of the arts, Kay held season tickets to the ballet, theater, and symphony, and her love of travel took her to five continents. She found great joy in tending her gardens and sharing her home with friends and family. Known for her warmth and creativity, she especially delighted in making gingerbread houses each holiday season with her grandchildren and neighborhood children-an enduring symbol of her generous spirit and love of connection. 

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 2:00-4:00pm at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer.

Kay requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Planned Parenthood. 

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times News on Oct. 14, 2025.

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Oct

19

Memorial service

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

W.J. Lyons Jr Funeral Home, Inc

1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Funeral services provided by:

W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144

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