Kay Courtemanche

Kay Lynn Courtemanche (Poole), 72, of Oxford, NY, passed away at home on November 6, 2025, after more than a 7 yearlong battle with cancer. Her loving husband, son, and daughter-in-law were by her side.

Kay was born on April 24,1953, to Ray and Leah “shorty” Poole. Kay was predeceased by her parents, Ray and Leah, sister Joan Blair, mother-in-law Florence Courtemanche, grandparents Ray and Grace Sander, and a very special niece Christina Pritchard.

Kay attended South New Berlin Central School and graduated in 1972, at which point she went on to attend SUNY Morrisville with a major in business. One of her first jobs was as a typesetter at the Norwich Pennysaver. In 1977 she started work at Chenango Mutal Ins. Co. where she had the opportunity to obtain her Property and Casualty License, becoming a Nationwide Insurance Agent a few years later. Kay remained a Nationwide Insurance Agent in Sherburne, NY, for many years.

On July 28, 1972, Kay married the love of her life Charles “Charlie” Courtemanche in South New Berlin. They were married for 53 years, and she is survived by Charlie, their son David (Sueanna) Courtemanche of Roanoke Virginia, and grandchildren Erin and Jacob Courtemanche.

Kay is also survived by her second “son” Christopher (Heather) Karn, grandchildren Kayla (Tyler) Karn-Wuest, Makenna Karn, Leah (Kyle) Crawford, Lily Karn, Josh and (Jess) Hull, Mia Walton, her and Charlie’s spoiled English Bully named Ellie Mae, and a very special “sis” Dolores Day. Kay is survived by several great-grandchildren who lit up her heart, twins Josephine (Jojo) and Poppy Wuest, and Quinn and Percy Hull.

Kay absolutely loved and adored her family. Her husband was her rock through her long bout with cancer. They had many good times traveling and just spending quality time together over 53 years of marriage. Kay and Charlie met in the 1st grade and were boyfriend and girlfriend all through school. Kay was never happier than when she was with her son and family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were all she needed to be happy! She also enjoyed the outdoors, watching and feeding the many beautiful birds on the back porch, going for long rides with coffee, and spending quiet time holding hands with Charles. A big thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Chenango County Hospice!

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home Inc, Oxford, NY. Calling hours will be Saturday November 22, 2025, from 11:00AM-1:00PM at the funeral home. Funeral services officiated by pastor Richard Howard will begin at 1:00PM. Following the service, a Celebration of Life Luncheon will be hosted at the Foundation Church in Oxford, NY.