Kathleen Ann “Kathy” Crist passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, December 22, 2025 at the age of 74.
A resident of Hornell, Kathy was born on July 9, 1951 to Lucille and Robert House, the middle of her two siblings.
Sharp-witted and thoughtful, Kathy was an avid collector of jewelry, antiques, and decorations. She spent her days putting together puzzles and watching birds, playing Euchre and Bridge, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. Kathy was known for her incredible memory of the past, her sarcasm and sense of humor, and her one-of-a-kind laugh.
She is survived by her partner of nearly 50 years, Melvin Gay; one sister, Cheryl Lussier; one brother, Thomas House; four children, Christopher (Aya) Crist, Erin (Paul) Laffrenzen, Justen (Katherine) Gay, and Keegan Gay; 7 grandchildren, Riley, Allegra, Daynen, Caidan, Emma, Eli, and Elizabeth. Kathy was predeceased by two children, Devin and Angharad.
Kathy graduated from Hornell High School and was a member of the Hornell Association, American Legion, VFW, and the Moose Lodge. She was also former Sr. Regent of the Moose.
A celebration of life will be held on her birthday, July 9, 2026, with arrangements to be made in the coming months. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hornell Humane Society by visiting https://www.hornellanimalshelter.org/.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
