Kay Martha Doughty, 88, of Brandon, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1937, Kay lived a life defined by service, intellect, faith, and an unwavering devotion to her family and community.
Kay attended Drexel Institute of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and met her future husband, Lee Doughty. She is survived by her husband Lee; her sons Dennis Doughty and his wife Carol Rosenstock, and Derek Doughty and his wife Laura Doughty; and her grandchildren Benjamin and Jeremy Rosenstock Doughty, Khristopher Doughty, and several cousins. Kay was preceded in death by her parents John Badovinac and Catherine Neral Badovinac.
Kay had a curiosity and a drive for learning throughout her life. While raising her children, her experiences as a parent inspired her to pursue a career in education. She earned a Master of Arts in Gifted Education from the University of South Florida and later pursued an MBA from Nova University. She served as the beloved and respected principal of the Hillel School of Tampa for many years, where she left a lasting mark on the school community.
Kay’s commitment to families led her to a second distinguished career in behavioral health and substance abuse prevention. Over more than twenty-five years, she became one of the most respected voices in Florida’s prevention community. She held leadership roles at DACCO Behavioral Health in Tampa and served as the director of the LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County. In recognition of her expertise, the Governor’s Office of Drug Control appointed her chair of the Florida Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council, where she had served since its inception in 1999 and led many of the council’s most significant initiatives.
Kay went on to serve as Vice President of Family and Community Services at Operation PAR, Inc. in Pinellas Park, where she spent nearly fifteen years shaping programs that strengthened families, empowered parents, and supported long-term recovery. Colleagues sometimes called her “The Queen of Prevention” for her unparalleled advocacy. She held multiple professional credentials, including Certified Prevention Professional, Master’s-Certified Addiction Professional, and Certified Addiction Professional.
Beyond her direct work, Kay was a sought-after trainer, conference presenter, and peer mentor who educated and inspired professionals across the state. She championed evidence-based practices and contributed to statewide and national behavioral health initiatives. She also served as an analyst with Ad Fontes Media, reflecting her commitment to thoughtful public dialogue.
Kay was a devoted and active member of New Hope Church Tampa Bay Inc. in Brandon, where she was a much-beloved leader of Bible study classes.
Kay remained engaged in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader with a particular love for mysteries and was a devoted member of her book group. Those who knew Kay will miss her wisdom, her thoughtfulness, and her devotion to every cause she set her mind to.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held on March 21, 2026 at 11am at New Hope Church Tampa Bay Inc. 213 N. Knights Ave. Brandon FL 33511.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to New Hope Church or Operation PAR Inc. 6655 66th St N. Pinellas Park, FL. 33781
Upcoming Events
Celebration of Life Service
21
Mar
213 N Knights Ave
Brandon, FL 33510
