Mary Kay Myers, writer of poetry and teacher

Mary Kay Zettl Myers, 78, of Wayne, a mother, teacher, and writer, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, of a stroke at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

An only child, born to Karl and Wilma Zettl in Girard, Kan., Mrs. Myers grew up nurturing two dreams - to teach seventh grade social studies and to have a family of six boys.

Both almost came true. She had three sons and two daughters, and taught high school history and English as well as college courses.

She attended the University of Kansas, where she met John Adams Myers. "He called her Kay, and Kay she has been ever since," her family said.

They married in 1958 and began having children, even as Mrs. Myers pursued a bachelor of science degree from the university, graduating in 1961.

In 1963, the family moved to the Philadelphia suburbs, where her husband taught at Villanova University. Mrs. Myers joined the Faculty Wives Club and taught writing at Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, and what was then Cabrini College.

In 1982, she earned a master's degree from Villanova. She wrote a novel and in 1984 self-published a booklet of poems, Philadelphia Marathon.

In 1992, Mrs. Myers earned a doctorate in American literature from the University of Delaware.

When the Episcopalian National Convention came to Philadelphia in July 1997, Mrs. Myers organized a juried exhibition of religious art from around the world. The show was hung in Villanova's art gallery.

"Kay was passionate about this project," her family said. She developed a curriculum based on the artwork and wrote a poem for each piece. The project can be viewed via http://artandreligionpoems.com.

A busy volunteer, Mrs. Myers was a Girl Scout troop leader, and active in a reading literacy program at the Universal Bluford Charter School in West Philadelphia. She taught Sunday school and was on the vestry at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Wayne.

She enjoyed cross-country travel, music, painting, reading aloud to family, and gardening.

"Kay would relax by playing hymns at the piano; the whole family would sing with her," her relatives said.

Mrs. Myers' husband died in 2012. She is survived by sons John K., Joseph, and Michael; daughters Beth Procassini and Mary Canniff; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 104 Louella Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087. Burial is private.

Donations may be made to the church at the above address, or to UNICEF via www.unicefusa.org.

bcook@phillynews.com

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