Catherine McKay

Catherine McKay March 9, 1936 – May 26, 2026 Catherine McKay, 90, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at Bayside Manor in Keansburg, New Jersey. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on March 9, 1936, she was the beloved daughter of the late James William Duff Gellatly and Dorothy Johnson Gellatly. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Frank McKay, in 2014; her sister, Joan Gellatly MacKinnon; her brother, Robert William Gellatly: her stepdaughter, Maureen McKay Phlegar; her son-in-law, Theodore James Phlegar, Jr.; and daughter-in-law Judith Simmons. Mrs. McKay was first married to Allan Simmons, with whom she had two children, Thomas Simmons and Debra Simmons Greco. She then married Frank McKay, and together they shared many happy years of marriage while raising their blended family and welcoming their son, William McKay. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. McKay devoted more than thirty years of faithful service to the Jersey City Board of Education, where she served as a lunch aide, special education teacher’s aide, and secretary. Earlier in her career, she was employed as a telephone switchboard operator. In retirement, she generously gave her time as a volunteer at the Liberty Science Center. Mrs. McKay was devoted to her family and found great joy in bowling and singing. She especially enjoyed traveling to Scotland, where she cherished visiting friends and family and exploring the countryside. She was a longtime member of the choirs at Grace Episcopal Church in Jersey City and Calvary Church in Bayonne. Her love of singing remained with her throughout her life and brought comfort and joy to many, including those who cared for her during her time at Bayside Manor. She is survived by her loving children, Thomas Simmons and his wife, Helen; Debra Simmons Greco and her husband, David; William McKay and his wife, Geraldine; and her stepson, Frank McKay and his wife, Linda. She is also survived by eight cherished grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Laurel Funeral Home in Hazlet Township, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to a charity meaningful to the donor.

Catherine McKay

March 9, 1936 - May 26, 2026