Kay B Gill

Kay Baldwin Gill died peacefully at home and surrounded by love in Pewee Valley, Kentucky on April 26, 2022.

Born May 14,1935, in Bloomington Indiana, to Sonia (née Turbow) and Fred Baldwin.  She was big sister to Jim Baldwin and grew up in Indianapolis and Muncie, Indiana. She excelled both academically and socially and graduated at the top of her class from Muncie Central High School where she was named “Most Likely to Succeed” and “brainiest.”  She then attended Indiana University and graduated with a degree in Journalism.  Among her many distinguished accomplishments was becoming the first female Editor of the Indiana Daily Student.  It was there she met and competed with George N. Gill for the Editor post.  You could say they both won as they eventually married in 1957.

But first, she took her love for fashion and writing to New York City where she worked in publishing.  George took a reporting job at the local paper in Newport News, Virginia. They both romanced the memory of chasing one another up and down the Atlantic seashore before ultimately marrying and settling in Louisville, Kentucky.  So began the countless adventures of their 50 plus-year marriage until George’s passing in 2010.

Kay was a remarkable friend and hostess. Together with George, she hosted legendary neighborhood parties and cherished getting together with friends and family. From around the corner to across the country, she forged lifelong relationships with a diverse collection of friends. 

Kay’s interest in traveling the world was always mixed in the conversation.  She touched almost every continent and region including the Galapagos Islands, China, Japan, Australia, Europe, Alaska and more.  Perhaps her favorite was Jekyll Island, Georgia where family would gather from all parts of the country on an annual basis.  A tradition that spanned more than 30 years and stood as a testament to Kay’s love of family and her family’s love for her.

Between trips, you could often find Kay designing, planting, and tending beautiful gardens throughout their Pewee Valley property.  Usually, in preparation for the next gathering.

In addition to earning her Master of Fine Arts in Writing degree at age 76, Kay was widely recognized as an accomplished writer and editor, culminating in the publication of her novel, “Mirel’s Daughter” in 2006.  An award-winning story based on her mother’s flight from Ukraine to America following the Russian Revolution and the end of WWI. The book became a best-seller in Louisville.

Kay’s story is not complete without highlighting what a great Mother and Grandmother she was to the loves of her life, sons Norman A. Gill (Lisa) of Pewee Valley, KY, and George B. Gill (Daniela) of Riverwoods, IL; and her grandchildren, George D. “Geo” Gill, Samantha “Sammi” Gill, Cassandra “Cassie” Clark, and Gwyneth “Gwinny” Clark, Jimmy Polivka, and Renee Davidson.  Her brother Jim Baldwin (Diane) also survives her and lives in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Our special thanks to the incredible people who provided loving care for Kay in recent years, Phyllis S., Cheryl S., Donna H., Kathy R., Lisa C., Mary Dell G., and Trish M.  Words cannot express our appreciation for your expertise and kindness.   And to the Hosparus Health hospice care providers who were invaluable resources in her last days.

A private family service will be held, and she will rest next to George at the Pewee Valley Cemetery by a beautiful maple tree.  Her memory is our blessing.  A celebration of her life is planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Spalding University, to benefit MFA in Writing students through the Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Endowed Scholarship. To donate, call (502) 873-4316 or online: https://givespalding.givingfuel.com/spalding-school-of-creative-and-professional-writing

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