Kay Larick Oldstrom

Kay Larick Oldstrom, 83, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026 with her family by her side and the sounds of cardinals singing through the open door. She was born on January 16, 1943, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Roberta Jean and Harry C. Larick.

Kay lived a rich and interesting life, marked by intellect, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to her family. A 1965 graduate of the University of Michigan, she went on to a career that took her from the halls of the intelligence service to the world of non-profit management and fundraising — excelling at every pursuit she undertook. Her career and curiosity carried her to Washington, D.C., Panama, Michigan, and finally South Carolina, where she made her home.

It was in Washington, D.C. that Kay met the love of her life, Stephen Oldstrom. They married in 1966, beginning a marriage that would last 60 years. Together they built a life defined by warmth, laughter, and togetherness. Kay had a deep and abiding love for her family, and she thought of them always. She was especially known for her gift of entertaining guests and her legendary Christmas smorgasbord — a beloved celebration of Swedish food and tradition — became a cherished family tradition looked forward to every year. In her later years, Kay poured her care for family into genealogy, painstakingly researching and preserving an extensive history of both sides of her family, a gift that will be treasured by generations to come.

Kay is survived by her husband of 60 years, Stephen Oldstrom; her son, David Oldstrom, and his wife, Janet Johnson; her three granddaughters, Emily Nicole Oldstrom, Abigail Erin Oldstrom, and Molly Jane Oldstrom; her two step-grandsons, Michael Byrnes and Ian Byrnes; her sister, Melissa Turpin (Richard) and a niece and nephew, Alison Edwards (John) and Matthew Turpin. She was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Jay Larick.

A private ceremony will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon in late July.

Kay will be remembered for her sharp mind, her generous heart, and the beautiful home and family she built with the man she loved for six decades.