Kay Y. Bear, 74, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Claremont Nursing and Rehab. She was born April 13, 1951, in Chambersburg, to the late Charles and Catherine M. (Emerick) Thompson.

Kay worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for the Big Spring School District and served as its health program coordinator. She was a florist for George’s flower shop in Carlisle. Kay was a member of the Shippensburg Sweet Adelines, the Freedom Valley Chorus in Chambersburg, and the Red Hat Group of Carlisle. She was an avid protector and voice for nature, animals, justice, and human rights. Kay loved singing, gardening, photography, art, reading, crochet, quilting, sewing, baking, cabin life, and always learning new things.

Surviving is her loving husband, John E. Bear of Carlisle; children, Harry E. Baer of Carlisle, Stacy Bear Foy (William) of Mt. Holly Springs, Mandy Frere (Zachary) of Mt. Holly Springs, and Erin Bear Sowers (Scott) of Carlisle; grandchildren, Kayleigh Evans of Buffalo NY, Emma Foy of Carlisle, and Reiley Foy of Charleston, SC, Logan and Liam Frere of Mt. Holly Springs, and Alyssa Sowers of Gardners; brother Jeff Thompson Virginia, sister-in-law Barbara Thompson of Shippensburg, many nieces, nephews, and chosen family. She was preceded in death by her brothers, James Thompson and Thomas Thompson, her sister, Beth Thompson, and her grandson, Tyler Evans.

Memorial Services will be held on April 11th from 2-5p.m. at The American Legion, 601 W Pine St, Mount Holly Springs, PA 17065. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065