ALESSIO, Katherine A.'s Obituary
Katherine "Kay" Ann Alessio
June 13, 1941 - August 15, 2025
San Diego, CA
With heavy hearts and sincere gratitude for her life, we mourn the passing of our beloved mother, Katherine "Kay" Ann Alessio. Kay left this world fittingly on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2025, surrounded with love at the age of 84.
Kay Alessio was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 13, 1941 to Lefty and Lucille Blessing. At the young age of five the Blessing family settled in the Mt. Helix area of San Diego, where she would reside the rest of her life. Kay was one of eight children growing up in a home focused on family traditions and the Catholic faith. Kay attended Helix and Grossmont High Schools where she had fond memories of being a majorette. After school she could be found greeting customers at "Blessing's Barber Shop", where guests have fond memories of her generous hospitality. During her high school years she met, dated and eventually married, the love of her life, Dominic "Bud" Alessio. In 1965 they married in The Immaculata at the University of San Diego where the ceremony was witnessed by over 1,000 family members and friends. They were happily married for 54 years and together raised four children: Dominique, Elise, John and Ashley. Kay was a proud and loving mother and grandmother to her children and six grand- children.
She was a private person who exuded remarkable strength, grace and warmth. Kay's devotion to her family was what mattered most. She taught her children patience, kindness and guided them with a sense of faith, strong values and the importance of family.
Prior to marrying Bud, Kay enjoyed her travels as a flight attendant for Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA). The San Diego Air and Space Museum has a display of the history of PSA and Kay is highlighted in the photographs of the time. She was strong, beautiful, funny and a joy to be around.
Kay faced many challenges, but always stood firm, with grace under fire. She had a warm and welcoming heart that extended to all she met and was just as beautiful inside as she was outside. She made everyone feel special and she genuinely cared for people. Up until her death, Kay enjoyed hosting her family and friends every Tuesday afternoon. The ladies would catch-up on family activities, discuss current events and politics.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Dominic "Bud' Alessio and their son John D. Alessio. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Dominique Alessio Nielander and husband Stephen Nielander, Elise Norman and husband Roger Norman, daughter-in-law Sofia Alessio, Ashley Muncey and husband Edward Muncey, grandchildren Kate and John Nielander, Paulina and Andrea Alessio, and Dominic and Michael Muncey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the The Elizabeth Hospice in memory of Katherine Alessio.
The Elizabeth Hospice, attn: Philanthropy Department 800 W. Valley Parkway, Suite100, Escondido, CA 92025 (Federal Tax ID 95-3275679).
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