Glenda Kay Oleinick

A loving wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend, Kay passed away January 26, 2020. She was born on September 23, 1943, to Glyn and Dortha Heitzman in Houston, Texas, where she grew up with her brother, Gary.  The family later moved to Union City, Oklahoma. After the death of her mother when she was eight years-old, Kay lived with her aunt and grandmother. Her grandmother's influences were many, which included a love of flowers and gardening.

She married Donald Glenn May in 1961 and they had three children. She later married Dr. Samuel Oleinick in 1986, who survives her along with her children Stephen May, his wife Mari and their children Lauren (Derek) Doak and Taylor; her daughter Kara Mings and her children Mason and Kaylie; her daughter Julie Casey and her husband, Brian and their children Connor and Allison; her sister-in-law Wynette Heitzman; and nieces, Cheryl Parish and Kelly Schaeffer; and nephew, David Heitzman and their families. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her brother Gary Heitzman, and son-in-law John Mings.

In their 33 years of marriage, Kay and Sam enjoyed their time together traveling and exploring the world seeing over 30 countries. When home, she loved to work in her garden, cook, and work on her home. One of her greatest joys was entertaining family and friends for dinner or games. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who imparted the value of family and being with the ones you love. She instilled a love of travel in all of her grandchildren; taking them on many adventures. She enjoyed cooking for and with her family and friends. She truly cherished her friendships and family, and saw family as her greatest gift in life. Kay had an endearing love, exhibited selfless kindness, while possessing a strength and determination that inspired those who knew her.

Kay was a member of Emanuel Synagogue in Oklahoma City serving as Vice President of the Sisterhood, Synagogue Board, Co-Chair of Israeli Festival, and Chair of the 200 Club. She was on the Board of Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City, and a founding member of Arthritis Colleagues of Oklahoma City. Kay was an active member of Congregation B'nai Emunah of Tulsa. She enjoyed volunteer activities where she was cooking or engaging with others (Bikur Cholim, and packing Altamont Cookies).

She began a 40-year career in healthcare in 1971 obtaining her Nursing degree from Oklahoma State University followed by her degree in Health Education in 1984 from Oklahoma City University. She enjoyed her work in numerous positions though her early career including supervising a retirement center, and serving Cleveland County Health Department.

Kay continued her education obtaining her OB-GYN Nurse Practitioner Credentials in 1989 from the University of Texas. Subsequently, she worked at Oklahoma University Health Science Center in Oklahoma City where she was Head Nurse of various units and worked in Neonatal Unit.  She chose a profession caring for others. Many times, she remarked, "I loved every minute of my nursing career".

The family wishes to thank their extended family, friends and all who supported Kay through her courageous battle with ALS. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her loving memory to Children's Defense Fund https://www.childrensdefense.org/

Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma https://okfoodbank.org/ , or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 28th, 11:00 a.m. at Congregation B'nai Emunah. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151

To view the video tribute: https://www.dropbox.com/l/scl/AABxO7XK-yYT3pTRcWx7fdMZyLJrJftiWJc