Kendall Marie (Hartson) LeMay passed away on January 23, 2026, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Colchester, VT. Her loving partner Jacob Rivers also passed away in the same accident.

Kendall had a bright smile that would light up a room, whether she was having a good day or bad. A laugh from her would leave you smiling for the rest of the day. She was also strong-minded and outspoken, willing and capable of standing up to anyone when necessary. Kendall had many roles in life, daughter, wife, friend, partner in mischief, but her most defining role was that of mother to Reese LeMay. Her love was fierce and protective, and she never hesitated to advocate for Reese in whatever setting was needed, often describing herself as a mama bear. She found so much love and joy being a mother to Reese and was so proud of Reese's accomplishments.

Kendall did not have an easy path in life, with multiple health issues that required frequent and lengthy hospitalizations and many surgeries. But as a former model and pageant winner she took pride in her appearance and always took care to present her best face to the world. Her many medical issues inspired her to educate herself on her various diagnoses, to the point where she often knew as much as the medical professionals regarding her conditions and could advocate for her best treatment options. She learned how to provide some of the various treatments that took care of her nutritional needs. Over her years of hospitalizations and treatments, she developed relationships with her various medical teams and was a full partner in decision making regarding her treatment. Kendall was always a warrior, and it showed in her yearslong battle for health.

Recently Kendall had explored going back to school for nursing, drawing on her knowledge and personal experience. Her health had finally stabilized. She was in a relationship that was truly supportive and loving. She loved watching Reese enjoy the new experience of high school. She was a young woman with dreams and plans, who felt she was, after so many years of ill health, on the cusp of a new life.

Kendall is survived by her parents Rebecca (Becky) Hart, Cadyville and Lawrence (Larry) Hartson and Anne Griffin (Hartson), Jay, her precious daughter Reese Ella LeMay, Saranac, brothers Skye and Colter Mancini, Jay, aunts and uncles Michael (Mike) and Ann Hartson, Keene, Margaret and Robert (Bobby) Hickey, Keene, Dustin Smith, Lake Placid, Sheridan (Sherry) Bombard, Peasleeville, Beth and Erik Dame, Maine and cousins Hilary (Andrew) Wall, Fuquay-Varina, NC, Brooke Hartson, Pittsboro, NC, Alicia (Tony) Boniface, Cover, SC, Amy Hickey, St. Augustine, FL, and Andrea Hickey, Essex Junction, VT. She is also survived by Addilyn Rivers, daughter of Jacob, with whom she formed a close and loving relationship.

Kendall is predeceased by her maternal grandparents James Wayland and Doris Hart, paternal grandparents Richard (Dick) and Rita Hartson, Uncle James (Jimmy Hartson), godparents Roy and Christine Ero, and life long bestie Amanda "Mary" Thwaits.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue

7556 Rt. 9N

Westport, NY 12993

Visitation will be held at Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks, on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name Church in Au Sable Forks with interment to follow at Holy Name Cemetery. There will be a celebration of Kendall's life at the Elks Club in Keeseville immediately following the services on Tuesday.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, PO Box 127, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks, NY 12912