Cherie Lynn Snead

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the passing of the woman known lovingly to many as “Kay.” At 80 years old, she left this world surrounded by the love, laughter, and memories she created so effortlessly throughout her life.

Born in Fremont, Michigan, to Winifred & Julian (Buck) Haring, Kay grew up with her 5 siblings: Archie, Jay, Deen, Tyler, and Debra.  Kay graduated from high school in 1963 and wasted no time embracing life’s rhythm and excitement. Shortly after graduation, she joined the Wichita Polynesian Club as a steel drum player. It was there she was given the Hawaiian stage name Kehlani, a name that soon turned into the affectionate nickname “Kay” that stayed with her for the rest of her life.

In the late 1970s, Kay moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she began a lengthy career in the restaurant industry. While working at the Sunset Restaurant in Glen Burnie, Kay met the love of her life, Jim Snead.

Kay and Jim married in Las Vegas on July 16, 1996. Their marriage was one of devotion, partnership, and shared memories. Jim passed in 2010, and though she carried the sorrow of losing him, she continued to live with grace and resilience, and a continued passion for all the things they once enjoyed together.

Kay treasured evenings at The Sunset Restaurant and cherished long conversations with close friends. She valued her close friends tremendously and enjoyed the comfort of familiar places, especially her favorite restaurants, where she could relax, laugh, and enjoy the people around her. One of the greatest joys of Kay’s later years was her beloved pup, JJ, who was truly her constant companion and very much adored. Anyone who knew Kay knew just how much JJ meant to her.

Kay built a life filled with adventure, friendships, and experiences she truly enjoyed. In her younger years, she loved golfing and traveling, especially Caribbean cruises. She appreciated good food, loyal friends, warm weather, and never passed up Taco Tuesday night with family. Her favorite drink was always vodka with “a splash of something,” and somehow it always seemed to taste better when shared with people she loved.

Kay is survived by her siblings Archie Haring, Jay Haring (Diane), Deen Haring, Tyler Haring (Joyce), and Debra Braybrook (Lanny); devoted stepchildren (Sherry Snead, John Snead, Brenda Mariner, and Glenn “Bunky” Snead), her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jim, and her beloved stepdaughter, Angie Lane, whose loss she carried closely in her heart. 

A memorial service in Kay's honor will be held on Saturday, June 6th, at 11:00 am at Lake Shore Baptist Church, 4613 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122.

Those who knew Kay will remember her as someone who danced to her own rhythm, was kind, generous, and loved deeply. She leaves behind memories that will continue to comfort and bring a smile to those who knew her.