Zoey Elizabeth Kays – (21) – of 146 Woodhill Dr., Rochester, formerly of Hornell & Almond, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning (March 13, 2022) at her home.

Born in Hornell on October 12, 2000, she was the daughter of Stacey Zaparzynski & James Kays.

Zoey grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School.  She later graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 2019).  Following high school graduation, Zoey attended Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) in Canandaigua, NY.

While in high school, she was a member of the HHS Swim Team, competing in the Backstroke, Free Style and was a member of the Relay Team.  Zoey was also a member of the HHS Indore Track Team and the 2015-2016 Varsity Cheerleading Team.  She enjoyed playing Cinderella Softball & YMCA Basketball.

For about 2 years, Zoey resided in Canandaigua, NY and had worked as a cashier for Byrne Dairy and was also employed at St. George Pizzeria.  For the past year she lived in the Rochester area and owned & operated Trixie’s Treats Bakery.

Zoey had a deep appreciation for all music and especially enjoyed listening to singer-songwriter, Lana Del Rey.  She will be remembered for her friendly personality who was not afraid to speak her mind.  You always “knew where you stood” with Zoey!!

Surviving are her mother, Stacey (Will VanScoter) Zaparzynski of Hornell; her father, James “Jim” (Marie) Kays of Angelica; 3 brothers, Tyler (Arlene Wagner) Kays of Hornell, Jonas Kays of Almond and Spencer Rambaran of Caldwell, ID; 1 sister, Kaydence Smith of Hornell; paternal grandparents, Steve & Sue Kays of Almond; maternal grandparents, Ed (Joanna) Zaparzynski of Tucson, AZ and Karen (Dave) Winant of Hornell; maternal great-grandparents, Ed Zaparzynski of North Hornell and Jean Shepard of Hornell; 1 nephew, Stanley Kays of Hornell; many aunts, uncles & cousins.  She will also be sadly missed by her “canine companion, “Kodak”.

There will be no prior calling hours.  Private services will be held at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Family & friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” on Wednesday from 4:00PM  –  ‘Till ?? at RBI Sports Pub, 68 River St., Hornell, NY to remember the life of Zoey Elizabeth Kays.

Zoey’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to: Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA, 16505.