It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dolores Tauber Kay on Jan. 3, at the age of 87. A native of Washington, D.C., Dolly was born on Nov. 17, 1937, to Charles and Rose Tauber. Dolly was the beloved wife of Marvin Leonard Kay and a proud mother of three children: Steven B. Kay (Ellen), Craig J. Kay (Stephanie), and Karen K. Matthews. She also deeply cherished the time spent with her five grandchildren: Andrew, Suzanne, Caroline, Hallie and Madison.
A successful business owner, Dolly founded Dolly Kay Designs in 1975, a luxury retail shop in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of D.C. As a curator of unique treasures, Dolly traveled to New York, London and Paris to find exclusive items not carried by other retailers in the area. Her love for staying ahead of trends, continually refreshing her collections and offering a personalized customer experience made her shop a true gem of the city. Dolly’s impact on the local retail scene will be cherished by many who fondly remember her eye for the extraordinary.
Affectionately known as “Dolly,” she had a natural gift for making people feel special. Her friendly and engaging nature brought joy to everyone she met. Dolly’s love for life extended beyond her business. In her youth, she enjoyed years of singing lessons at Anne Yago McGuffey’s voice studio and remained an avid supporter of the arts throughout her life. She cherished attending recitals at the Levine School of Music and performances at the Kennedy Center. Dolly’s active lifestyle kept her energetic, and she continued to enjoy her passions until her final days.
A graduate of Calvin Coolidge High School in D.C., Dolly’s sense of community and lifelong love for the arts remained an integral part of her character. She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, generosity and the many treasured moments she shared with friends and family. Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Rose Tauber; her husband, Marvin and her sons, Steven and Craig. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Levine School of Music. Funeral arrangements by Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home.