Obituary of Kay Irvine

Kay Novakova Irvine, 94, of Cazenovia, NY, died peacefully on February 1, 2015. Kay (nee Kvyetoslava Marie Antonia) was born on April 28, 1920, in Hornee Cherneshitzeh, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), and was raised in Roztoky, north of Prague, Czechoslovakia. She was the daughter of Marie Mikshovsky and Francheesheck Novak. Her parents ran a restaurant in the "Castle", in the heart of Prague. After finishing high school she found a job at the American Embassy in Prague, where she taught herself English and learned about America. After World War II, Russia took control of the country, closing the Embassy. The Ambassador told the staff that if they could get to another country, they could work for the United States. Kay hated life under the occupying Soviet regime, and heard about a man who could take her over the mountains to American Occupied Germany. So without a word to anyone, she left her home, but the attempt to cross failed. She kept her trust in the guide and on the second attempt they walked through the night and reached the top of the mountain where the guide said "There is your Germany - run to the Americans!" She did, and the soldiers believed her story; they took her to Frankfurt, where she went to work for HICOG (High Commission for Germany). While working there, she met a young American, Paul F. Irvine, who was biking around Europe and looking for a job. He did get a job at HICOG, and a bride as well! He convinced her to come to America, where he hoped to finish his engineering degree. Travelling on the ship Isle de France with their month old daughter Barbara, they arrived in New York City on Christmas day, 1950. Kvyetoslava then changed her name to Kay as part of becoming a naturalized citizen. They settled down in Central New York, first living in student housing on Slocum Heights at Syracuse University, where Paul obtained his engineering degree. The couple then purchased an unfinished house on Pompey Center Road in Manlius, and 14 years later purchased a neglected 1799 farmhouse, which they restored, outside Cazenovia, in the town of Fenner. During those years they raised 4 children, 4 horses, 4 dogs, 1 cow, numerous cats, and other sundry animals. Kay was an avid recorder of daily events, and she leaves numerous journals as a rich legacy. She loved to read as well, and had stacks of books throughout the house. She loved to garden, and while the children were growing up, she grew most of their food, and canned or froze much of it for the winter. Everywhere there was a place to put a flower, Kay did so: outside in the garden, and inside in pots, as well as whimsical ones she painted on cupboards and drawer fronts. Kay also had an extensive doll collection and an elephant (not the real ones!) collection. Kay had one brother, Vladimer, who pre-deceased her. Kay is survived by her loving husband of 65 years; a daughter Barbara Marie (James) Giardina of Erieville; 3 sons - Paul Vladimir (Karen) of Rochester, Peter Philip (Barbara) and David Francis (Mary) both of Syracuse; a niece Alice Novakova Parizkova of Roztoky, CZ and her 2 children; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Kay is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Cazenovia. Kay was wonderfully cared for by the staff at Crouse Community Center, Morrisville, for last 18 months of her life. A memorial service will be held at Tait Funeral Home in Cazenovia on Saturday, February 7 at 10:30 a.m.