Alice Claire McKay

Alice Claire McKay (1929-2015) nee’ Canning, was received in Heaven on the 22nd of December in Katy, Texas after a long, happy life. She was eighty-six. She was known by many for her sunny disposition, bright smile, and warm hospitality.

Alice was born in Patterson, New Jersey to Edward Frances Canning and Clara Mary “Claire” Luetten on February 15th, 1929. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in 1947 and soon took a job in New York City at McGraw-Hill Publishing House. She led an active social life and frequented dance halls such as The Copacabana in New York City. She met her future husband, Vincent Francis McKay, through mutual friends. They were married at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Teaneck, New Jersey on May 20th, 1950. They welcomed Deborah, Steven, Nancy, David and Christine into the family between 1951 and 1965. In 1973, Vincent’s job with Exxon Mobil transferred the family of seven to Texas. After retirement, Vinny and Alice enjoyed their mall-walking group, shopping at Kroger and spoiling their grandkids. Alice looked forward to monthly luncheons with friends and never said no to a cup of coffee.

The pair was married for nearly 58 years before Vincent’s death in 2009. Alice was affectionately known as “Mom”, “Grandma”, “Nana” and “Gigi”. She is survived by all of her descendants, including her five children and their spouses: Deborah, Steven, Nancy and Michael Luck, David and Cynthia McKay, and Christine and Brian Ameen. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Melissa Luck and her fiancé Daniel Spedale, David McKay Jr. and his wife Jessica, Jeanine McKay, Lauren McKay, Claire Ameen and Brody Ameen and by her three great-grandchildren: Madison and McKayla Luck-Burns and Molly McKay. Her family remembers Alice as a woman who exuded grace, comfort, faith, love and kindness. They say the meanest thing about her was her roast beef.