Kay (Marian Kay McLaughlin) Reimers

Kay Reimers passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Santa Rosa, Ca., surrounded by her family. She was 86.

Kay was born in Longview, Washington, on January 2, 1940, to Ezma and Herman Reimers.

When she was a little girl, the family moved to Fontana, Ca. She graduated from Fontana High School in the Class of 1958.

She married Darrel Olson and had 2 children: Jeanne and Darrel.

After her divorce, she married Gary McLaughlin in 1963.

They were very involved in the community at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fontana and became Oblates at St. Andrew’s Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery, in Valyermo, Ca.

She moved to Northern California in 1993, making Sonoma County her home for her remaining years. She loved living amongst the redwoods, just moments from the ocean.

She had a kind heart and a beautiful smile. She was avidly interested in others and was an excellent listener. Her family meant everything to her, and she was a haven and sounding board for her grandchildren. She’d drive to the beach for clam chowder, then stay to watch the sunset. Playing ”Freeze-out” meant the car windows went down and the music went up. She’d watch old movies—or *any* movie with Matthew McConaughey in it. Her Oscar parties were not-to-be missed, with her traditional hot cha-chas served with all the toppings. She loved animals and trained her last cat, Gracie, to play fetch with her.

Kay is survived by children Jeanne Jarzombek (Gary), Darrel Olson (Sherri), and Chris Jarzombek (Leslie). She was ”Grammy” to grandchildren Megan Armstrong (Tim), Jessica Ivie (Chris), Alison Olson, Eliza Jarzombek, Ryan Olson, and great-grandchildren Theodore Armstrong and Rylynn Jarzombek; also survived by her sister Mel Williams, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and Gracie, the cat.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at St. Andrews Abbey, Valyermo, Ca. on June 23rd, beginning with Mass at 11:00 a.m., followed by her burial, then reception at the Abbey.

In lieu of flowers, Kay requested that donations be made in her name to St. Andrews Abbey.

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