Fayth Kail

MADISON - Fayth E. (Carpenter) Kail passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Born on Dec. 21, 1940, Fayth was a beacon of smiles, strength and compassion. Her life was marked by extraordinary challenges, yet she persevered with unwavering grace. As a young girl, she faced the devastating polio epidemic at age 14. The lack of accessibility in her school forced her to leave her family and friends behind, a painful separation that shaped her early years. Fayth attended East High School and graduated from Central High School in 1959.

Despite these hardships, Faythie's spirit remained unbroken. She pursued education, earning a business degree, and securing steady employment. Fayth worked for 15 years at Central Wisconsin Center and later, her dedication to public service led her to become a Capitol page and switchboard operator for St. Mary’s Hospital where she tirelessly advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. Decades before the ADA, she fought for wheelchair accessibility and better services in Madison (MOBIL).

Love found Fayth in the form of Robert "Bobby" Kail, they were married on June 20, 1964, at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Madison. Together they built a beautiful life. On July 7, 1970, their son, Ronald J. “Ronnie” Kail was born. He brought immense patience and joy into their world. Faythie’s ability to connect with people was truly remarkable. Whether it was a thoughtful and beautifully handwritten card or a phone call just to say, “hello,” Fayth sprinkled cheer everywhere. She loved to dance, was a registered clown and she was always up for keeping people close. She gave of herself for decades by participating in the committee to plan and organize her annual high school reunions. She also created, authored and mailed out newsletters to an ever-expanding audience. She had a knack for making others feel included, valued and loved.

Fayth and Bob were very involved in their community. They were active members and supporters of Access to Independence, Post Polio Support Group, Civic Center, Madison Senior Citizen Center, Dane County Advocates for Battered Women, Taste of Madison, Madison Chamber Orchestra and Festival of the Lakes, WHA TV, East High School, Dane County Fair Housing Council, Wisconsin Heart Fund and many others. Fayth was the recipient of many awards over the years, a few honorable mentions include the 1982 YWCA Women of Distinction Award and in 1987 the Martin Luther King Junior Award, Adult Ambassador for Easter Seals Society for the State of Wisconsin and WIBA Easter Seals Volunteer Award.

Though Fayth faced the loss of her loved ones including parents, Robert and Esther Carpenter; son, Ronald Kail; husband, Robert Kail; and sister, Shirley Younger-Meinzer, her legacy of resilience, kindness, and advocacy will live on through her loved ones. Fayth is survived by her three grandchildren of the heart, Sheree (Scott) Rayford and Jeff Rayford, Trichele (Brad) Kail-Rolack Vyse and Ericka Kail-Rolack; three great-grandsons, Greyson, Chancellor and Easton Vyse; nieces and nephews, Diane "Didy" Huntsman, Vicki (Skip) St. Sauveur, Jocko (Janet) Younger, Daniel Younger, John Younger and Tre (Jon Arnold) Younger; special friends, Joanne (Olav) Malvik, Terri (Patrice) Buss Krukowski, Denise Denman, Lucy Vaughn, Melissa Lauf, Tracy Miller, Krista Kay Polansky and Grace (Bakken) Vanderpol will forever cherish her memory. As we honor Faythie's life, let us be inspired by her courage, her compassion, and her unwavering belief in a better world.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, and also from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

The family would also like to include a special thank you for all the friends, caregivers, community members, family and neighbors who have reached out and cared for her through the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Easter Seals of Wisconsin, DAIS or the charity of the donor's choice in Fayth's name.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420