Frances Kay Brossy, 80, a co-founder of the Habitat for Humanity project in Hawaii, died Monday.

The volunteer organization, which builds homes for families who cannot afford a house, has built more than 200 houses since 1988, when Brossy and two partners organized the island affiliate of the national organization.

She was recognized in 2006 by the state Senate for her volunteer work with several community organizations. She helped establish and volunteered at the Time Out Nursery, providing free day care for working mothers, and was a member of the Daughters of Hawaii.

Brossy was born in Honolulu, a descendant of early Christian missionaries Amos Starr Cooke and Juliette Cooke. She graduated from Punahou School and Scripps College in California. She and her husband lived in California for many years.

She is survived by husband Frederic Brossy Jr.; sons Fred, Peter and Roger; daughter Julie; brothers H. Thomas and Alan Kay; and nine grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at 5:30 p.m. today at Central Union Church. A 7 p.m. reception will be held at Queen Emma's Summer Palace. The family suggests memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity Hawaii, Central Union Church, the Daughters of Hawaii or the Society for the Cure of PSP.