Eleanor I. McKay

NEWBURGH - May 31, 1927 - December 1, 2023 Eleanor McKay, a lifelong Newburgh resident passed away Dec. 1, 2023 at the Kaplan Hospice Residence. The daughter of Lyman and Gladys Emmett, she was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on May 31,1927. After moving to Newburgh as a young girl, Eleanor attended Newburgh Schools and graduated from NFA in 1945. In 1948 she married Ralph McKay. Eleanor worked for Bell Telephone, and Beneficial Finance for many years. She was also an active member of First Methodist Church, and later Grace Methodist Church, she was a member of the board, the choir, and the United Methodist Women. Eleanor also organized the Lenten Lunches for the Newburgh Ministerial Associations Services during the season of lent for decades. Eleanor was active in many Newburgh organizations. She was a Republican committeewoman, and active in the Orange County Republican Women’s Club. She was a long-time volunteer for Newburgh Meals on Wheels, and a long-time member of Newburgh Club 60, enjoying many trips with her friends. There is a picture in Newburgh Lunch taken May 8, 1945, which shows NFA students marching down Broadway celebrating VE day, and Eleanor was in front. She said they were dismissed early to celebrate the end of the war in Europe. She is survived by her son Robert McKay (June Valentino) in Newburgh, and grandchildren Colin McKay (Lindy), and Grace McKay all of Missoula, MT. She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph McKay in 1981, and her stepmother Gladys Kirkland. Visitation will take place at Brooks Funeral Home on Thursday, December 7th from 4-7 PM. A graveside service will take place on Friday, December 8th, at Stewart Cemetery in Swan Lake, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eleanor’s name can be made to Newburgh Meals on Wheels, or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties. To leave a personal condolence please visit www.brooksfh.com