Elsa Kay DeCarli

BRADENTON, Fla. — Elsa Kay DeCarli, 78, passed peacefully at home in the loving arms of her husband, Ronald Gary DeCarli, into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Bradenton.

Kay was born in Charleroi, Pa., on Jan. 15, 1947, the daughter of Ira and Gertrude Feuster.

She had a bachelor’s degree in education from Clarion and later obtained a master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. While at Clarion she met her husband, Ron. They spent 58 beautiful years together.

She worked as a school librarian and reading specialist for many years before retiring to Bradenton with Ron.

Most importantly to her, Kay was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who always prioritized her love, care and support for her family above all else. She loved her family fiercely and would do anything for them.

Kay was a kind, beautiful and generous spirit who believed deeply in helping others and leading her life with kindness and faith as her guiding lights. These were values she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She loved volunteering in church with Christian education programs, Bible study, and in women’s ministry. She also devoted many hours to local food banks and Meals on Wheels programs.

Kay loved to travel and traveled extensively in Europe and the United States. Her passion was always to seize the moment with her family. She had an adventurous spirit and was always open to new experiences. She lived in five states and 14 different homes with Ron, and she made each new home as beautiful as the last.

Kay loved to read, sew, quilt, build puzzles, garden, bake and play cards with family. Once she retired to Bradenton, Kay loved to spend time in her beautiful flower gardens, bike, kayak and play golf with Ron. She also loved to take long walks on the beach, collecting beautiful seashells.

Kay was a sports enthusiast with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers being her favorite teams.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Ron; her two daughters, Ronna (Ron) Lott and Jennifer (Frank) DeCarli; her three grandchildren, Dr. Ron (Morgan) Lott, Cameron Mario (Katie) Lott and Lola Kay DeCarli Palazzolo; sisters-in-law, Colleen (Ray) Schauer and Nancy Feuster; her nieces Marla Keibler, Raeann Erdesky and Ellen Vande Bunte; her nephews Reed “Bud” Feuster and Todd Feuster; and many cousins.

In addition to her parents and parents-in-law, she was predeceased in death by her brother, Reed Feuster; and brother-in-law, Rick DeCarli.

A celebration of life will be held for the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.