Remembering Kay Freeman
The Autism Society San Diego mourns the heartbreaking loss of Kay Freeman, a beloved member of our community whose legacy spans more than three decades of tireless service. We regret to inform all of you that Kay passed away on June 1, 2025. In her final, selfless act of giving, her kidney and liver were donated so others may continue to live.
Kay’s commitment to the autism community was not just a professional endeavor—it was deeply personal. As a devoted mother to her daughter Chelsea and to her son Brock, who is on the autism spectrum, Kay brought unmatched compassion, perspective, and urgency to everything she touched. Her journey with the Autism Society San Diego began after Brock was diagnosed with autism at a young age in the early 1990s. She researched and found the Autism Society San Diego and quickly became a volunteer board member with the organization. Over 30 years, Kay served in nearly every capacity imaginable—from office manager to Board President and everything in between. Her empathy shaped our programs, her strength guided our mission, and her love for her family inspired countless others navigating similar paths.
Soon after becoming a board member, Kay was prevailed on to take over as president of the organization. She served in that role from July 1997 until June 2000. It was under Kay's leadership that the chapter experienced a renaissance of sorts. Kay Freeman's leadership as president was instrumental in guiding the San Diego Autism Society out of the “dark ages”. Upon completing her term as president, Kay continued as a volunteer board member for over 2 decades. She later became a key staff member at the Autism Society San Diego office where she worked until her death.
Kay’s fingerprints can be found on every facet of our organization’s evolution. Whether managing the details of a busy office or leading the board through strategic transitions, Kay’s ability to lead with both heart and competence set the gold standard for all of us. She never sought recognition, yet she was the steady force behind our growth and the glue that held our community together through both celebration and adversity.
What set Kay apart was her unwavering presence at the events and fundraisers that define our public life. From setting up tables at resource fairs to making last-minute calls for raffle donations, she was always there—early, prepared, and smiling. She was the kind of person who quietly made things happen behind the scenes, never asking for thanks but always offering help. It’s hard to recall a camp, walk, swim night, or gala where Kay wasn’t involved in some way, always pushing us forward with her signature blend of grace and grit.
Kay made a difference—not only in the programs she built and supported, but in the lives she touched along the way. Her impact is woven into the very fabric of our community. She supported families at their most vulnerable, empowered our team with her wisdom, and infused our mission with dignity and joy. Our community is full of ‘Kay Freeman Stories’— her calls of support, her practical advice, her fierce advocacy—are reminders of how deeply she cared and how far her reach extended.
We are a little less without Kay. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her spirit lives on in the work we do and the community she helped shape. As we move forward, we will honor her legacy by continuing the work she so passionately believed in—building a better, more compassionate world for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. We extend our deepest love and condolences to Chelsea and Brock, and to all who were lucky enough to call Kay a friend, mentor, and advocate.
The Autism Society San Diego owes a huge debt of gratitude to Kay for setting in motion the culture that allowed it to flourish into one of the most successful affiliates in the Autism Society network, which continues to this day. While we will forever feel her loss, we are comforted knowing her impact and legacy will be felt for decades to come.