Patricia Mckay

Patricia Willbern McKay, 87, of West Hartford, CT, died peacefully in her sleep on May 19, 2012 at St. Mary Home. She was the loving wife of the late Peter F. McKay, who predeceased her in 2010. Pat was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on August 14, 1924, went to William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri, and had just begun a teaching career in 1944 when she met and married Peter, a pilot instructor in the Army Air Corps. After the war, Pat and Pete moved to West Hartford, where they raised their two daughters, Marty and Kathy. Pat was involved in many theater groups over the years, including the Mark Twain Masquers and the Simsbury Light Opera Company. She was a proud member of the Town and County Club of Hartford, where she was a master bridge player. She and Peter traveled extensively and spent many happy summers with the family at Hawks Nest Beach in Old Lyme, CT. She will be remembered as the consummate lady who valued her friends and maintained relationships with so many people who were important in her life. Pat is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, who will miss her dearly: Marjorie Widness and her husband Edward, of Glastonbury, CT, and Kathleen Keith and her husband Quentin of West Hartford, CT.; also three grandchildren and their spouses: David Keith and wife Emily Gallagher of New Haven, CT, Megan Keith Chenot and husband Peter of Hamden, CT, Holly Sena Dooley and husband Terry of South Glastonbury, CT, and one great-grandchild, Nolan Dooley. She also leaves two brothers, Damon Willbern of Coffeyville, Kansas, and David Willbern of Placitas, New Mexico. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the loving and compassionate care given to Pat during her 18-month stay at St. Mary Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's memory may be made to the McAuley Residents Fund, 275 Steele Road, West Hartford, CT, 06117.