Ivy L. Quay

Ivy L. Quay returned to her eternal home in heaven on April 30, 2026 after a long illness.

Ivy was born in Rochester, NY on October 19, 1934 to James and Ocenia Baker Chaplin into a loving family with three sisters and two brothers. The family relocated to Albany, where Ivy grew in beauty and learned to create magnificent arrangements in the family’s floral business. She carried her talent for home décor and style with her throughout her life.

After her graduation from high school, Ivy became a licensed beautician and worked at that career for over 40 years, first with her sisters at a salon in Schenectady’s Ramada Inn and later at Bittersweet salon in Schenectady. She married and had the joy of giving birth to her beloved daughter Kim (Valentino) who predeceased her. Mother and daughter were very close and enjoyed shopping, hosting holidays for extended family, and traveling on cruises or vacations to resort destinations.

Ivy loved small dogs and had numerous fur babies throughout her life. She treated each one like the valuable family member that they were.

Ivy will be remembered for her beauty, her grace and style, her kindness to others, and her engaging smile that lit up any room. She meticulously dressed in flattering clothes and took great care with her makeup and hair. She was always the perfect lady.

Later in life Ivy met and married Richard H. Quay, and described him as the love of her life. Together they built a lovely home in Rotterdam Junction, and it became the site of many happy holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, and July 4th barbecues. Richard predeceased her in 2005, and she moved to a home in Rotterdam which she bought with her daughter Kim and her son-in-law Dominic Valentino. She met John J. Johnson, who became her best friend and companion in her later years. John stayed by her side throughout her declining years, giving her much comfort.

Ivy was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters June (Ruopp), Bess (Lavender) and her brothers Gilbert and William. She is survived by her sister Carol (Presley) of Colonie, her son-in-law Dominic Valentino, her stepdaughter Deborah Escobar (Jorge) and her step grandchildren Rosana Brown, J.R. Escobar, Michael Escobar, and Brian Quay, step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Ivy will be Friday May 8, 2026 at 11AM at the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady. Visitation will be from 10-11am prior to the service.

Interment in Woestina Cemetery in Rotterdam Junction.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Animal Protective Foundation 53 Maple Avenue Scotia, NY 12302.