Frances Kay Pauszek

Frances Kay Pauszek, affectionately known as “Kay,” peacefully departed this world on April 27, 2026, after a short illness. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity.

Kay was born on March 9, 1937, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Earl and Jeanne Cantwell. She had one brother, Tom, who predeceased her. In 1957, Kay married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Robert B. Pauszek Sr. She was a devoted wife to “Bob” for 61 years until he passed away in 2018. Together, Bob and Kay raised six children, who along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue to celebrate and honor “Grandma Cody’s” legacy.

In addition to being a busy wife and mother, Kay co-owned Clay Basket, a Native American jewelry and art company. She traveled throughout the Southwest searching for treasures, many of which adorned her home over the years. Kay shared her knowledge and love of Native American art by volunteering as a docent at the Eiteljorg Museum. She also enjoyed cheering for IU football and basketball, attending many games and tuning into many more over the years.

Throughout her life, Kay’s Catholic faith was always very important to her. She was married in the Log Chapel at the University of Notre Dame, and she was an active parishioner at Holy Spirit at Geist for many years. In recent years, Kay found community and solace in her online bible study group, and she faithfully received communion weekly in her home.

Those who knew Kay will fondly remember her acts of kindness, such as her signature habit of handing out $2 bills as tips and placing them in grandchildren’s Christmas stockings and birthday cards—a small gesture that brought joy to many. Kay always insisted on being the one to pay for meals out, and without fail, she urged family and friends to “please take something” whenever they left her home. Her delight in giving to others touched countless lives and created a ripple effect of love and kindness around her.

A private funeral service and Catholic Mass will be held at the Our Lady of Peace Chapel, where Kay will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Bob. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Spirit at Geist

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Spirit Parish at Geist.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the medical and nursing staff at Community East Hospital, HOW Care Alliance, and Legacy Hospice for their compassionate care during Kay’s final days.

In the end, Kay would like all her family and friends to know “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”