Morningside of Fullerton resident Kay Rollins has spent most of her life on the move.
Known around our community as the “skating lady,” she spent 25 years performing and coaching figure skating, sharing her passion with hundreds of students along the way.
These days, she finds ways to stay engaged in her retirement community in Fullerton, CA, which she’s called home for nearly a decade. Some days, you’ll see her on the rowing machine in the fitness center. On other days, she enjoys walking through the community, visiting with neighbors in the Crystal Terrace dining room, or taking part in lifelong learning events.
“Skating helped me stay fit for many years,” she says. And she’s carried that habit into her retirement years, bringing the same dedication and energy she had on the ice to everyday life.
At 91, Kay continues to inspire others with her enthusiasm and consistency.
“Kay shows what’s possible when movement becomes part of everyday life,” says Morningside of Fullerton Fitness Manager Dianna Smock. “Her approach supports confidence and independence in daily living.”
A Community That Supports Engagement
Kay moved to Morningside in 2017, encouraged by her daughter after hearing positive stories about the community. What she found wasn’t just a place to live; it was a sense of connection.
Life here involves more than maintenance-free apartments. It includes friendly neighbors that know your name, countless activities and fitness programs, and 33 acres of beautiful, manicured park-like grounds to enjoy.
Kay’s apartment is filled with skating memorabilia and medals, often sparking conversations with her neighbors. Those conversations have led to friendships over the years.
Her neighbors notice it too. “She’s a quite inspiring and interesting woman.”
A Lifetime on the Ice
Kay was born in England in 1935. She started skating at age 12, introduced by her Canadian stepfather, a former hockey coach. By 17, she became one of Canada’s youngest professional figure skating coaches, teaching at multiple clubs.
She earned two Canadian silver medals in compulsory dance and figures, performed with Canadian Ice Fantasies, and was scouted by Ice Capades. She also coached hundreds of young athletes.
Recently, NBC Los Angeles featured her during coverage of the Winter Olympic Games. Kay shared that she can still anticipate jumps from takeoff alone—a skill honed over years of practice.
Even with this history, it’s her present-day involvement and engagement in the community that stand out.