Jean M. McKay

1938 - 2017

Jean M. McKay obituary, 1938-2017, Monterey, CA

BORN

1938

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave

Pacific Grove, California

Jean McKay Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 16, 2017.

Jean McKay, 79, died peacefully on Monday, May 15th from complications from Parkinson's Disease at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
She was born January 26, 1938 in Glasgow, Scotland, to Alex and Isabelle Hendry.
It was in Glasgow that Jean met and fell in love with the man who would become her husband, Danny McKay. They were married on September 14th, 1957 and would spend a lifetime together. Through good times and bad, laughter and tears, they counted on each other for love and support. September of this year would have been their 60th anniversary.
After becoming a young wife, Jean attended the wedding of her childhood pen pal in Pacific Grove. Jean returned to Scotland and convinced Danny to pack up and move to America, specifically, Pacific Grove. Before they could move, Jean became pregnant with their first child, delaying the move for a couple of years. But Jean, being the persistent person she was, did not change her mind about the move. After the birth of wee Danny in April, 1961, the three of them moved to Pacific Grove in 1963.
Jean and Danny were soon blessed with a second child, their daughter Isabelle, in December, 1964. The four of them formed a tight, loving family, with Jean being the matriarch. She was a devoted, caring mother, and would do anything for her children.
Jean began her career at CTB/McGraw Hill as a key punch operator in 1966. Being an extremely bright young woman, she was able to advance to positions throughout the company, and ended her career there as a computer programmer. She retired from CTB/McGraw Hill after 32 years. Most of her job titles required levels of training she did not possess, but because she was such a quick study, she was able to take on jobs for which she may not have been "qualified". She achieved a level of success that belied her level of formal education.
Jean and Danny were interested in the things that were of interest to their children. Jean became a San Francisco Giants fan, because that's the team for which the two Dannys and Isabelle rooted. Jean and Danny never missed a ballgame, school event, dance lesson, or any other event that involved their children, all while working full time. She learned to keep score at Little League games and was the team mother. She learned to play golf so she could spend time with her husband and children doing the things they enjoyed. Jean made sure homework was done, and home cooked meals were served.
Isabelle wanted to play softball in Pacific Grove, but there were no girls leagues in P.G. at the time. Jean became instrumental in making sure the girls of Pacific Grove were provided the same opportunity to participate as the boys, and was instrumental in the beginning of what would become P.O.N.Y. Baseball/Softball in P.G.
After Isabelle passed away in November, 2000, Jean, with the help of her close friends Gina, Pam, Karen, Debbie and the Jazzercise Group from the Sally Griffin Center created a fund raising event to benefit the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County. Although Jean was unable to participate directly in recent years due to her illness, that event still takes place, and the Bowlathon has generated thousands of dollars in contributions for families affected by Breast Cancer.
After raising their children in Pacific Grove, Jean and Danny moved to Del Rey Oaks in 1985. They enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Scotland, Hawaii, Texas, Washington, Vancouver, and took a Cruise to Alaska celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They were able to enjoy their time together and were almost inseparable.
When Isabelle and her husband, Anthony Giacalone, had children, first Thomas, then Derek, Jean and Danny became the doting grandparents anyone who knows them expected them to be. Just as they had been for their children, they were at every event in which Thomas and Derek participated.
Jean's love and generosity knew no bounds. If you were her friend, you were a friend for life. If she loved you, it was without condition.
Jean was preceded in death by her daughter, Isabella McKay Giacalone. She is survived by her husband, Daniel McKay of Del Rey Oaks, her son Daniel McKay of Salinas, and her grandsons, Thomas and Derek Giacalone (Isabella).
A memorial service and celebration of Jean's life will take place at the Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove on Thursday, May 25th, at 11:30 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County (BCAGMC), P.O. Box 221582, Carmel, CA 93922.

Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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May 15, 2019

Friend

Jim Lane

Time passes and memories fade, but not this one.

May 25, 2017

Najoo Ruediger

Jean was a warn, kind and thoughtful colleague at CTB. She was always ready to help anyone and had a beautiful smile and story to share. She will be missed.

May God give Danny and family comfort, strength and peace through this difficult time.

May 25, 2017

Kris Brown

Our neighborhood is poorer for losing Jean McKay. We shall all miss her.

May 25, 2017

Gina Weeks

Jeanie, you will be missed. An angel here on earth and now in heaven.

May 24, 2017

jim LANE

A lady that always had a smile and friendly words. While it was along time ago its not hard to remember Jean, I know I will.

May 24, 2017

Margaret Hines

Jean was a friend when we both worked at CTB/McGraw-Hill. She was warm and friendly and funny. What a shock to go to the Monterey Herald online and see her obituary! I remember her kindness, sense of humor, and her husband Danny. My condolences to him. What a loss!
Peggy Hines
Cullaby Lake, Oregon

May 23, 2017

Jeanine Yip

Jean was such a true pleasure to be around. It was an honor to work with her as her physical therapist. Everyone who had the opportunity to work w/Jean at CHOMP absolutely loved her. We are so sorry for your loss. Dan has been a dear, loving, and kind husband and took wonderful care of Jean in her later years. We will all miss Jean very much.

May 23, 2017

David Bullimore

Jean, a loving and strong lady, a wonderful aunt/ great aunt to me, Fran, Gemma and Steven.
I am luck enough to recall Jean from my early life in Scotland together with memorable visits in California.
Remembered with all our love.

May 22, 2017

Angela Workman

Oh how do you say I LOVE YOU when I can't say it to your sweet face. I hope and I know you knew how much you were loved by all your family in Scotland. Now another light has dimmed - first by Isabelle's passing and now yours, but although this side has dimmed another side has brightened as mother and daughter are re-united. Love from Angie, David, Blair, Bonnie and Murron x x

May 22, 2017

Alphonso

To the family of Jean McKay, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss her dearly. Please find comfort in knowing one day we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40. Matthew 5:5.

May 21, 2017

My late wife Nancy said Jean was her ``best bud' '' (for buddy) at McGraw-Hill. Wth her smile and warmth and lilting Scottish accent it's a good bet a lot of people felt that about Jean.

Steve Hauk

May 21, 2017

Roy Rosa

Mckay family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Warmly, Roy & Cookie Rosa

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Memorial Events
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May

25

Memorial service

11:30 a.m.

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Funeral services provided by:

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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