Kathryn I. "Kit" Shay

Portville- Kathryn “Kit” Shay formerly of 25 N. Main St., Portville, passed away Friday (September 29, 2023) at the Cuba Memorial Hospital.

Born October 26, 1934, she was the daughter of Nolan Canfield and Ruth Cosper.  Floyd and Kathryn Cosper of Smethport, PA, adopted her. 

Kit graduated from Smethport High School and was formerly married to Paul Shay of Eldred, PA, and Donald Adams of Olean, who pre-deceased her. 

She was a very active Portville American Legion Auxiliary Post 814 member for over 50 years.  She was President several times as well as holding various other offices. Kit was the President of Cattaraugus County American Legion Auxiliary in 1978-1979.  She was a hairdresser and had her salon in Portville. Kit worked at Dal Tile (formerly Olean American Tile) for 40 years, retiring in 1999. She was a River’s Edge United Methodist Church member in Portville.

She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Shay of Allegany; a sister, Nola Snyder of Farmers Valley, PA; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Lorie Henton.

Kit was pre-deceased by a beloved son, Timothy Shay; 5 brothers, David Cosper, Smethport, PA., Floyd Cosper, Bakersfield, CA., Dr. Rev. George Cosper, Williamsport, PA., Gail Cosper, Smethport, PA., and David Canfield, Bakersfield, CA., and three sisters; Naomi Cosper, Smethport, PA., Ruth Gellett, CA., and Millicent Megia, Pittsburgh, PA.  

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main Street, Portville on Tuesday (October 3, 2023) from 4-6 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 6 p.m. with Rev. Dawn Quesenberry, pastor of River’s Edge Christ United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville.

Memorials may be sent to River’s Edge United Methodist Church, PO Box 287, Portville, or Portville American Legion Auxiliary Post 814, 24 S. Main Street, Portville, NY 14770.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.