Obituary of Kathryn Hays

Kathryn Hays, known for playing the character of "Kim" on As The World Turns for 38 years - and for her portrayal of "Gem" in the original Star Trek episode "The Empath" - died Friday, March 25th in Fairfield, CT, at the age of 87. Her career also included Broadway productions of "Ladybug, Ladybug", "The Irregular Verb To Love'' and "Hot September", summer stock productions of Showboat and Richard Roger's Two By Two, Follies at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Dames at Sea at the Papermill Playhouse, and playing Desiree in A Little Night Music at the Equity Library Theater in NYC, described by the New York Times as "just possibly the best musical in town". She made guest appearances on over 40 classic TV shows, from Dr Kildare to Law and Order. Born in Princeton, IL and raised in the midwest, she remained a good midwestern girl - but with a layer of "New Yorker "added on over the years. Think Donna Reed in It's A Wonderful Life, with a bit of Bette Davis thrown in for good measure. Her family and friends knew her as a source of love and laughter. Raucous laughter, much of the time, because she had a spot-on sense of humor. No one who was present will ever forget when she dressed up to play Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. She was raised to value family and made sure that her parents, Daisy and Dick Gottlieb, were cared for as they aged. She worked hard to raise and educate her daughter, and to enrich the lives of her grandchildren. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Bob Mancusi, three grandchildren, Kate, Cameron and Garrett Wells, plus her great-grandson Jack, who will be taught the lessons that she taught us. She loved music, her church and was nuts about dogs. Those wishing to honor her memory may contribute to: The Greater Bridgeport Symphony in Bridgeport, CT, The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Westport, CT or your favorite dog rescue organization. Private memorial services will be held following cremation. To sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com