Karol "Kay" Gourneau, 79, of Lower Brule, passed away on January 15 ^th , 2021.

A Celebration of Life for Kay Gourneau will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 22 ^nd , 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Lower Brule, SD with burial at the Holy Angels Catholic Cemetery at Presho, SD.

A rosary service will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 21 ^st , 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Lower Brule, SD.

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Karol "Kay" Gourneau was born on February 18, 1941 to Lawrence Jandreau and Ella Fallis and passed away on January 15th, 2021.

Kay was raised by her grandparents Gertrude & Lawrence Jandreau on the Lower Brule Reservation and attended the Black Dog School. Kay graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Stephan, SD where she met the love of her life, Lee Gourneau. On December 14, 1959 Lee & Kay were united in marriage and had just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. From this union Kay & Lee were blessed with 3 sons and 4 daughters, Blaine, Boyd, Patti, Kara, Lori, Jody, and Little Lee.

Kay served on the Tribal Council for 26 years as Vice Chairperson, Secretary Treasurer and Council member. She also served on the school board, housing board and gaming commission. Kay was very proud to serve the Kul Wicasa Oyate.

Kay leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Lee, sons Boyd (Maryjane), Little Lee (Ronnette), and daughters Patti (JD) Williams,  Kara, Lori, and Jody. Kay is survived by 5 sisters, Connie Schmidt, Vivian Weddell, Mary (Steve) Gast, and Melanie (Mike) Johnson and five brothers Larry (Jewel) Jandreau, Bill (Ardyce) Jandreau, Jimmy (Paula) Jandreau, Cody (Emma) Russell, and Kasey (Diane) Russell.

Welcoming her home are her parents, brothers Dean and Fay, Sister Baunita, special cousins Mike, Jerauld, Son Blaine, Grandson Austin & Nephew JD.

Kay is survived by caretaker and special Grandson Trey Gourneau, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews too numerous to list. Grandma Kay loved each and every one of you and you all were very near and dear in her heart. She leaves behind many who knew her as "Grandma Kay". The phrase "She had a heart of Gold" couldn't ring truer in describing Grandma Kay.  She was proud of her Family and devoted her life to carrying all those she loved in Prayer.