Kay Marcia Pitsenberger, age 91, of Los Alamitos, CA, was born in Clarendon, Texas on March 17, 1933, she moved to California in 1939, where she would later thrive and make a lasting impact on her community. She passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, surrounded by family.

Kay was the daughter of Clarence Paul Jackson and Ella Bess ("Betty") Baker, who were instrumental in starting several churches. Growing up in a musical family, Kay often sang alongside her father and sister, Sylvia, nurturing her passion for music. Her early talent was evident when she sang her first solo in a talent show in kindergarten, performing "My Sweet Little Alice Blue Gown." By the age of six, she made her church solo debut singing "In the Garden."

She began taking piano lessons at a young age and was playing for her church by age 9. At age 12, she was giving piano lessons, sharing her love of music with others. An early music teacher had a local radio station where she performed "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven. Her high school years at Long Beach Polytechnic High School were marked by her contributions to the Acapella Choir and Madrigal Group, where she famously took the lead in the production of “The Merry Widow”.

In 1980, Kay returned to school, earning her Master’s in Psychology in 1982. She served as the leader of the Eating Disorder Department at Charter Hospital for two years before transitioning to a counselor for Alcohol and Addictions, where she dedicated herself to helping others in need.

Kay married Robert Pitsenberger in October 1953 and later divorced in 1980. She is survived by; her children, Robert Pitsenberger II (Terri), Marcia Norton, Debora Griffith (Alan); 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter, her sister Sylvia and brother-in-law Dr. Gunnar Heuser and her beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Victoria Ann Fraser, grandson Gabriel Placencia, and great-grandson Zachariah Norton.

A memorial service scheduled at 11:00 am on November 29th at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Los Alamitos. Her service will be live streamed on GSPC.org. In lieu of flowers, donations made in her honor, to the Children's Music Ministry at Good Shepherd is welcome.

Kay's spirit, love for music, and commitment to helping others will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

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