From her people
The stories that show who Kay is
A person is more than what happened to her. These are the ordinary memories, acts of care and pieces of family life that show the Mum, Granny and friend behind the record. Statements from Kay’s friends and family are reproduced as written.
About Kay →
“Kay helps everyone keep in touch.”
The one who keeps everyone together
I have known Kay for over 30 years. Her greatest love and joy are her children and grandchildren. Her face lights up when she sees them.
Kay was so proud to become a homeowner on her own, and she worked extremely hard to achieve it.
She loves spending time with her friends and is often the one who organises the catch-ups, whether it is coffee, dinner or a show. Kay helps everyone keep in touch.
“She has spent a lifetime giving her light to the people she loves. After 45 years of friendship, I just want to see her find hers again.”
I just want to see her find hers again
Kay and I have been friends since high school, more than 45 years ago. We have been through our first boyfriends, marriage, divorce, children, parties, adventures, heartbreaks, laughter and countless memories. Life took us in different directions at times, but our friendship was always there.
Kay has spent much of her life putting everyone else first. As a single mum, she worked incredibly hard to give her children the best life she could, making sure they never missed out, no matter what it took. Her children have always been her greatest joy, and now her grandchildren have added another whole layer of love to her life. You can see it in her face whenever she talks about them.
As she edged towards 60, she was finally starting to have a little more freedom to enjoy life. Kay had achieved a huge dream by buying her own home, and we had even begun taking little holiday adventures together, things she had never really been able to do as a single mum. It felt like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Then Kay's badly damaged ankle meant surgery and the possibility of being unable to work for up to a year. The financial reality left her with no choice but to sell the home she had worked so hard for and make a new plan with her daughter and son-in-law.
Kay was so excited about that new beginning. But over time, I have watched some of her light slowly disappear. She puts on such a brave and valiant front, but underneath it she is stressed, exhausted and sad, and it is beginning to take a toll on her health.
Kay is the person who is always there for everyone else: the first to offer a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, organise a get-together or simply make someone feel a little happier.
She has spent a lifetime giving her light to the people she loves. After 45 years of friendship, I just want to see her find hers again.
“But we look back with positivity, fun times, great conversations - we did it! and we didn't have to wait until we were retired to ride those dream bikes.”
We did it! And we didn't have to wait until we were retired
I first met Kay through the Ladies of Harley on a ride out as a group over 12 years ago. I had moved back from Canberra and decided to join a ride out with Gasoline Alley. When we stopped for coffee, as I was travelling alone, I asked if I could join a group of ladies at a table and we all started chatting. In true Kay style she was welcoming and warm. Kay and I hit it off and had a lot in common. We met up a few times and then whenever possible we would arrange a ride-out and take off to somewhere. I'm sure the men at the pubs where we stopped for lunches thought we were a gay couple HAHAHHAH. But not so! Kay loved her Harley and named it Thor (as she loves the Marvel characters).
When Kay was out riding she was free, it brought her immense pleasure as she had saved so hard to get her dream bike. We continued to ride for years until I sold my Harley. Not long after this Kay conceded to sell Thor due to health reasons. It was a really hard day for Kay to see Thor loaded up into a truck and then drive away. Since then, we have had chats about our Harleys and we both agree that we miss our Harleys and the freedom and joy it brought. But we look back with positivity, fun times, great conversations - we did it! and we didn't have to wait until we were retired to ride those dream bikes.
Kay had rented properties for many years and had grown up in a public housing home with not many luxuries. After a relationship breakup, Kay strove to have her own home. It was an aspiration for Kay and when this happens there is no stopping her. Kay worked tirelessly and long hours to make her wish happen even with her sore ankle which needed an operation. Having her own home meant stability, a place she could leave for her children, it was hers, she could decorate it as she wanted, plan a garden, sit and relax in her spa at the end of a hard day. The day Kay bought her first home she was over the moon! The hoops Kay jumped to get there was inspiring. Sadly, again due to a set back with her ankle Kay had to give up work which meant she could not afford the mortgage. Her home was sold, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law and grandchildren who have a large property. It was agreed between the family for Kay to build a 'granny flat' on the property. Her second and, perhaps her forever home, close to her grandchildren whom she adores.
Kay was so excited when she had found a granny flat build that met all her expectations. She was able to change the design, choose colors, it was like having a brand new home to call home. The company provided the contract, dates, Kay paid monies, organised for council to ensure the flat could be built on the property and so on. It was her asset milestone and she was looking forward to having her own space again with anticipation.
Kay had packed up all her belongs, placed it into storage in July 2025 believing she would be in her own home for Christmas that year. Sadly this wasn't to be the case. Kay has been let down time and again with Expandify. They have been unconscionable in their dealings with Kay, pushing out when her home would arrive, giving her false hope and excuses. I have seen first hand how sad, upset and deflated Kay has become, along with high stress that she could loose her money, her home. I've rarely seen Kay cry, but I have in the past month seen those tears and hurts me to see her in this pain.
Kay has been under immense stress over this whole "shit" show with this company. I don't like seeing my friend in this terrible situation and have recently learned Kay now has further health issues because, I believe, the failings of this company and the way Kay has been treated.
I will fully support my friend in any action Kay, her lawyer and you, Alex, take to ensure she does not loose anything. Kay is a strong, independent, caring woman who has had a hard slug of late yet keeps bouncing back. But how much bouncing back can one do..... I pray it will not get to this point for my dear friend, as she deserves the best life possible.
“If someone needs her, she just shows up.”
Like a second mum
I've known Kay for around 14 years. She welcomed me into her home and her family when I was a teenager, and over the years she's become like a second mum to me. I've always felt accepted, looked after and like I was part of the family.
Kay's always been someone I could rely on. She's supportive, generous with her time and the kind of person who'll help without expecting anything back. If someone needs her, she just shows up.
When we were younger, there were definitely times when we needed a bit of guidance. I remember when we were teenagers and renting, she'd come over and help us sort the house out, tell us what we needed to do and even make sure we claimed our bond properly so we didn't lose money unnecessarily. She never made us feel bad about needing help. She'd just explain things, help us fix it and make sure we were okay.
That's always been Kay. Whether it's something important or something as simple as giving me a lift when I need one, she's always willing to help. She's been there for me for a huge part of my life, and I genuinely think of her as family.
“That is Mum. She does not just tell you she cares. She sees what has frightened or hurt you, works out what she can do about it, and gets on with doing it.”
She sees what needs doing and gets on with it
Three years before Mum sold her house, she took me back in as an adult so I could save for a home of my own. When I unexpectedly lost my corporate job and started building my business, she let me stay rent-free for almost eight months. She gave me security and time to rebuild while she was working long cleaning days and paying her own mortgage.
Mum worked so hard on her garden, and I learnt so much from living with her about DIY and getting in and doing things yourself. Her garage had a full wall of tools.
After my cat ran away for a few days, I was devastated. Mum paid for the materials and built an outdoor catio so she would be safe.
The record is still growing
More voices will be added
More submissions are coming in and will be added as they land. If Kay has been in your life and you would like to add something about her, please email contact@thegrannyflatfiles.com.au