Kathryn "Kay" Verdin Busemeyer

Kathryn “Kay” Verdin Busemeyer, 77, passed away peacefully, July 1, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kay was born July 8, 1945, to Ralph and Leora Verdin and grew up in Mariemont, Ohio. Kay was one of four children; brother Jim, sister Joan and her twin sister Ann. 

Kay graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1964 and attended the University of Cincinnati. 

Kay married Jim Busemeyer in 1968 and was instantly welcomed into the Busemeyer family of ten; Kay gained seven new sisters and two brothers.

Kay and Jim have three daughters, Stefanie, Shelby and Christy. Kay’s ultimate love of life were her three girls. Mariemont home filled with love, friends and was a backdrop of color – decorative energy that pulled in everyone. What was hers, was everyone’s. The Mariemont house was homebase with a revolving door of characters that needed her light-filled heart, a home filled with bright light, comfort and compassion. She was a bleeding heart for everyone's pain and joy. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was ultimately present for all. Kay wasn’t just a mother to her three daughters, she was a mother to so many. She was known for her infectious laugh that will be missed. Jim was Kay’s “Steady Eddie,” and the rock of the family. Kay and Jim were married for 54 years.

Kay was a gleaming star, an electric current that could light up a room with her notorious laugh, love of life, beauty, style and grace. We could feel like a boat lost at sea and Kay will always be that lighthouse for us flickering in the night, through the storm to safety. Kay made it to the other side peacefully with the love and fortitude of her husband, daughters, seven grandchildren and twin sister.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Jim Busemeyer; her three daughters, Stefanie, Shelby and Christy; seven grandchildren, Logan, Ryan, Elle, Tanner, Brynne, Barrett, and Taylor. She is also survived by her twin sister Ann Verdin, sister Joan Sheehan, as well as Renee Brunner and Peter Frey to whom Kay was a second mother. Kay leaves behind many friends whose lives were brightened by her friendship. 

A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Hyde Park.