August 12, 1914 – October 4, 2012. Kay was an associate professor in UBC’s French Department. While a student she was taught by notable professors including Garnet Sedgewick and Mary Bollert. Described as gentle and quiet, she taught at UBC from 1950 until 1980, serving during that time as assistant dean of women and senior faculty advisor in the Faculty of Arts.

After retiring from UBC she taught at Little Flower Academy from 1981 until ’88, and remained active with UBC retired faculty. Since 1974 the Kay Brearley Award has been presented annually to the person providing outstanding service to UBC sports teams, particularly the women’s teams. The award was named after her by the students and faculty who had great respect for her, for her interest in sports and for the assistance she provided the women’s sport program at UBC.