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On this Mother’s Day, I want to honor the remarkable woman who shaped my life with kindness, humor, and unwavering love—my mother, Kathryn “Kay” Hampton.
Kay was a friend to all. From her early days as a nurse in Pittsburgh, she brought care and compassion to everyone she met. Later, she became a devoted wife to my father, Dick Hampton, and together they raised two children, Beverly and Jim. She embraced the role of housewife with heart and humor, but anyone who knew her knew she was anything but ordinary.
Kay was the heartbeat of the neighborhood—always social, always welcoming. She had a gift for making people feel at home. Whether playing endless rounds of canasta with her friends, whipping up batches of her famous chili sauce for the neighbors, or offering a taste of her homemade wine (probably not legal) and legendary bourbon balls, Kay brought joy to everyday life.
She could also be fiery and outspoken when she saw something that wasn’t right. In her long life, she was never afraid to speak her mind or stand her ground. That strength of spirit made her a force to be reckoned with—and one you always wanted on your side.
What made Kay a truly great mother wasn’t perfection—it was her presence, her resilience, and her love. She was a protector, a guide, and a teacher. She listened with her heart, found humor in the everyday, and stood up fiercely for the people she loved. She loved without condition, gave without hesitation, and showed us, every day, what it means to show up with your whole heart.
She loved deeply and lived fully. Her laughter, warmth, and generosity filled every room, and her love for me, my sister and my dad never wavered. She was outgoing, spirited, and full of life—a true original.
Today, we remember Kay not just as a mother, but as a woman who made the world around her brighter, bolder, and more beautiful. We love you, Mom. We miss you every day.
Happy Mother’s Day Mom.
(Jim Hampton is the Publisher and Editor of CityWatchLA.com. Jim has over 40 years experience in radio broadcasting, marketing and content creation. He helped Ken Draper to launch CityWatch on the web over 20 years ago.)
