Patricia J. McKay

Patricia Jean McKay, also known as Patty or Grandma Pat, of White Lake, MI passed away on February 15, 2025, just shy of her 80th birthday. She was the eldest of four siblings, born on August 9, 1945, in Allen Park, Michigan, to Joseph and Helen Adaline.

Patricia was the beloved wife of Harold R. McKay (predeceased) for 56 years. She was a devoted mother to two daughters, Mandy Rice and Melissa (Ryan) Mee, and a cherished grandmother to four grandchildren: Peter John “PJ” Sarotte, Sydney Sarotte, Elliot Mee, and Amelia “Mia” Mee. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph (Valerie) Adaline, and sister, Susan (Terry) Riley, although predeceased by brother William (Brenda) Adaline.

In her early years, she attended Cabrini Catholic High School in Allen Park, MI. She then attended Central Michigan University where she took a summer job as a secretary at Ford Motor Company. A well-timed trip to the water cooler produced a fateful meeting with her future husband. On August 20, 1966, Patricia Adaline married Harold McKay. Their reception was at the Dearborn Inn, where they continued to celebrate their anniversary every year following. When ready for a family, they built a family home in Troy. Here she had her two daughters and developed her love of gardening. After moving to Green Lake, she was determined to rejoin the workforce. Her sharp intellect and ability to anticipate the needs of others propelled her climb in the hospitality industry eventually becoming the General Manager of the Radisson Hotel in Sanibel Island, FL. She finished her years as a faithful member of her church, Our Lady of Refuge. An avid student of the Bible, she devoted her time to help those in need.

Pat was a force of nature, driven by vision and sheer determination, as well as a kind and loving heart. At home, she was known for channeling her inner Martha Stewart, delighting her family with homemade meals and beautifully decorated spaces. She loved garden walks in her roses, camping with her grandkids, working out with friends, listening to talk radio or watching HGTV. She would always have a good book, a new recipe to cook, or a project to build, knit or paint. In her down time, you might find her baking cookies, getting her nails done or making a quick trip to the Pontiac farmer’s market to get fresh tomatoes for canning.

Patricia is so deeply missed by those who loved and adored her.

A special thank you to New Hope White Lake, and all the caregivers that loved mom in her final years. Bev Rocha you are an angel on earth.

Services to honor Patricia’s life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Our Lady Of Refuge in Orchard Lake, MI. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM followed by mass at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of floral arrangements please consider donating to Our Lady of Refuge Church https://www.osvhub.com/olorcc/giving/funds or Lewy Body Dementia Association lbda.org