Jean K. Kay

Born in Fall River, a daughter of the late Francis and the late Eileen (Quirk) McGrady, she moved to Swansea in 1964. She had been a lifelong summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard moving there permanently in 2001. Mrs. Kay was a graduate of Smith College, Class of 1950 and attended Kathryn Gibbs School in Providence.

Mrs. Kay was a communicant of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs, was a member of the East Chop Yacht Club, Tennis Club and Beach Club of which she was a former Secretary.

She supported numerous island charities including the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, The Polly Hill Arboretum and the Red Stocking Fund, as well as being a charter member of the 1891 Society at Adams House in Fall River, where she resided this past winter prior to returning to her island home on July 8th. She was a proud member of the “Stitch and Bitch” of East Chop.

She is survived by one son: James H. “Jay” Kay and his wife Laurie of Mattapoisett, two daughters: Carole A. Croteau and her husband John of Westerly, RI, Katharine D. Kay and her partner Nancy Anderson of Camano Island, Washington, five grandchildren: Jennifer L. Ireland, Alexander J., and Jason M. Croteau, Kelly J. and Colin A. Kay and two great grandchildren: Ashlynn and Griffin Ireland.

Her Memorial Mass will be held in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, in Oak Bluffs at a later date. Contributions in her honor may be sent to Adam’s House, 1168 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720.