Glendara Kay "Glennie" Wells

Glendara Kay “Glennie” Wells was born July 31, 1940, in East Jordan, Michigan, to the late Carl Hunt and Helen (Bennett) Hazelmyer.

Kay attended East Jordan High School and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy, training in San Diego and serving as a dental assistant in South Carolina. She later drew on those skills to work as a dental assistant while raising her three children as a single mother. For nearly a decade, she balanced work and home with determination, ensuring her family was cared for and setting an example of resilience and strength.

Through the years, Kay faced joys and hardships with courage, including surviving seven bouts of cancer. After the loss of her dear friend and husband Jim, she carried on with grace until she was blessed to find lasting love with her late husband, Richard Nizza. Kay and Richard shared nearly 20 wonderful years together at Royal Oaks in Inverness, Florida, where they built a life full of love and a shared passion for sports—attending spring training, watching Tigers baseball through the summer, and enjoying Michigan football.

Above all, Kay was devoted to her family. Being a mother and grandmother was her greatest source of pride and joy. She delighted in baking with her grandchildren, celebrating milestones, and staying closely connected with her children. She also welcomed stepchildren and in-laws as her own, treasuring the larger family she built over time.

Kay was funny, clever, and never ashamed to be her true self. Known affectionately as the “hat lady,” she always dressed with flair and brought color and brightness to those around her. She loved sunflowers, autumn, and the rain, and her homes reflected her warmth. She also loved to write and often expressed her thoughts through poetry. Music was another passion. She loved karaoke and eventually created “Kay’s Karaoke” at the Windsor Retirement Community, creating a place where neighbors could gather for fellowship and song. She also enjoyed singing as a member of the Windsor Glee Club.

She will be remembered for her warm smile and her thoughtful gestures. She built lasting friendships at Royal Oaks and later at the Windsor in Celebration, Florida, where she was cherished for her kindness, sociability, and generosity of spirit.

She is survived by her children, Marikaye (Robert) Fleisher, Kevin (Sue) Gallagher, and Bridgit (William) Land; her sister, Maureen Derenzy; her grandchildren who meant the world to her, her loving nieces, nephews, cousins, sons- and daughters-in-law, and the many friends who loved her dearly.