Mary Alice McKay, 78

Touching people through kindness

Beloved by all who knew her, Mary Alice McKay, 78, of Hayden, Idaho, left this world gracefully Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2020. Mary’s life was truly a blessing, as she touched so many deeply. She will be remembered and greatly missed.

Mary was born in Marion, S.D., to Ab and Rose Vinatieri. A hard worker, Mary helped with the family plumbing business. She later remodeled homes, worked in retail management, provided care to the underserved and made her house a home.

At retirement, Mary devoted herself to the church and charities. She had a beautiful, giving nature and was empathetic to everyone she met. From making sandwiches for the needy, to contributing a motorhome, rent and resources to single mothers, her giving nature impacted countless lives in a beautiful, encouraging way. She will be remembered for her uplifting, nurturing spirit.

In 1988, Mary married her best friend and beloved husband, Hugh W. McKay. They expressed their love for each other with notes of sentiment and devotion daily. These beautiful notes were discovered and will be family heirlooms for generations. Mac and Mary loved to travel and spend time between their winter home in Nevada and summer home in North Idaho.

Mary was devoted to and deeply loved by her family and friends. She was an inspirational mother, not only to her children but also to others.

She is preceded by her husband, Hugh McKay and brother, Tom Vinatieri. She is survived by brothers David (Marie) and Paul (Judy) Vinatieri; sister, Kathy Sawin; five children: Lisa Masterson, Roger Senecal (Britta), Paul Senecal, Erica Ackerman and Shawn (Tiffany) Flanagan; as well as 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Mary’s final days were spent at home surrounded by family and connecting with loved ones. She left to see the Lord, unafraid and knowing that her life impacted so many and that she would be deeply missed.

Due to the current environment, there will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with Mary's arrangements. Memories and condolences can be left on her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.