Dorothy Dee Halay

Dorothy "Dee" Ann Reynolds Halay, 88, of Lake Charles, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015, in her residence surrounded by her loving family and her devoted caregiver, Theresa Sterling. Dee was born on November 30, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York to John and Vesta Reynolds. At the age of four, she moved to Merrick, Long Island, New York and lived there until she became a young adult. She attended elementary and high school in Long Island, New York. In 1945, Dee graduated from the Wellington C. Mepham High School where she was called in her yearbook a "female Robin Hood" for her archery skills. As a young lady, Dee moved to New York City, where she was an executive secretary at the Texaco Oil Company. During her time at the Texaco Oil Company, Dee met Michael "Mike" Halay, who was a purchasing agent there. Eventually, both Dee and Mike were transferred to Houston, Texas, where they continued working for the Texaco Oil Company. After a few years in Houston, Dee married Mike Halay on January 20, 1961 and moved to Lake Charles, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Dee loved, more than anything, being with her husband and three daughters. She also loved playing golf with her friends at the Lake Charles Country Club, where she was a member for all of her years in Lake Charles. Dee was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. As a full time mom, people admired Dee for the way she enjoyed spending time with her girls. She loved the outdoors. She taught the girls how to swim, play golf and tennis. She gave the girls free reign in the kitchen and didn't seem to mind the mess that ensued. Dee generously gave of her time as a volunteer. She worked diligently raising money for the Catholic schools that her daughters attended, including St. Margaret's and St. Louis Catholic High School. She also volunteered and financially supported many other associations, hospitals and charities in Lake Charles, including the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Children's Miracle Network and the Women's Shelter. Dee is survived by her three daughters, Susan Vincent and her husband, Bryan; Vesta Johnston and her husband, Mark; Kathy Heinen and her husband, Mike, all of Lake Charles; her grandchildren, Katie, Matthew, Allison and Julie Vincent; Mary Claire, Janie, Mark and Ellen Johnston; Olivia, William and Christopher Heinen; her sister, Vesta Koutsis; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Dee is preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Mike Halay; her brothers, John Reynolds and George Reynolds; her parents, John and Vesta Reynolds; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Joan Vincent. A funeral will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, with Monsignor James Gaddy presiding and Monsignor Harry Greig con-celebrating. Burial will be at Consolata Cemetery in Lake Charles. Visitation will be on Friday, November 13, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home with a rosary and scripture service at 6:00 p.m. and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. The family would like to thank Dr. David Buttross, Jr. for not only the care he gave, but also the friendship they shared over many years. Also, Dr. Craig V. Broussard and Diane Harris at Southern Care Hospice and all those who cared for Dee and loved her. A special thanks to Ruby Lewis for the 36 years that she loved and cared for our family. Also, to all of her caregivers for the love and compassion they gave our dear mother for more than 11 years: Jean Alfred, the late Pat Davis, Norma Granger, Earlene Hawkins, Eva Jones, Debbie Potts and Theresa Sterling. Serving as pall bearers will be Dee's grandsons, William Heinen, Mark Johnston and Matthew Vincent, also Robert Gani, Billy Rose and Frank Wood. Honorary pall bearers, grandson Christopher Heinen, Billy Barnett, Dr. David Buttross, Jr. and Rufus Marshall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Heaven School, St. Louis Catholic High School, St. Louis Catholic High School Foundation, McNeese State University Foundation or the charity of your choice.