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Margaret Maralyn "Lynn" McKay

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | September 20, 2022

The Funeral Mass date has been updated. Please see below.

With her loved ones at her bedside, and her Ronnie holding her hand, Lynn peacefully drifted off to her final earthly sleep on September 18, 2022. After prolonged struggles with innumerable maladies, she just left her pain and suffering behind. Born in 1934 on Flag Day to John P. Hoerr, Jr. and Alyce Davenport, Lynn was extremely proud of her White Oak heritage. She loved to relate how her father, John, designed and built the original Rainbow Gardens complex.

Lynn is survived by her husband Ron, her sons, Tim and Patrick; grandsons, Ian and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Liam, and Zoey. Lynn was predeceased by her parents and her brother, John P. Hoerr, III. Lynn was a 1952 graduate of McKeesport High School and went on to serve as co-chair of several high school reunions. She continued her education at Penn State University, Mount Mercy University, and Robert Morris Business School.

Lynn’s first job was at the Bettis Atomic Power Division which, because of its work in building the engine for our first nuclear sub, required Lynn to be vetted for, and receive, a top-secret security clearance, an accomplishment she later jibed Ron whose clearance for his Army duties was significantly lower.

She married Ron in 1959 and accompanied him to postings in Baltimore and Atlanta, where she got a position with a large Insurance Company despite being “a damn Yankee” and a Catholic, both amounting to stigmas in 1960 Georgia, and Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, where her exceptional performance earned the highest award the Department of the Army can bestow for civilians.

Upon their return to civilian life, Lynn and Ron proceeded to build their home in White Oak which they still occupy. Lynn was a devout Catholic, serving St. Angela Parish and School for over 50 years in carrying roles from lunchroom mother to Minister of the Eucharist. After her sons were older, she worked as a legal secretary in her husband’s McKeesport Law Office for eight years. In 1994, she accepted a position with the Engineering section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission where she worked until her retirement at age 80.

Lynn loved the ocean, especially the long summer stays at their beachfront rental in Ocean City, NJ. She enjoyed travel, visiting Ireland twice, as well as convention visits to many cities around the world. Lynn also reveled in cruise ships, including two PA Bar Association conventions at sea. Her very favorite cruise was aboard the QE II on its maiden voyage in 2004. She loved to entertain at their home, hosting many holiday and Super Bowl galas and insisting that she personally prepare all the food for her guests. Lynn engaged in service to her community serving as co-chair of the Boro’s celebration of the country’s Bicentennial year, which culminated with Lynn actively joining in to throw her lifelong friend, Mayor Jack Patterson, into the newly opened Heritage Hill pool fully dressed in his best suit. She followed her mother’s lead in joining the McKeesport Hospital Junior Committee, working countless hours in her volunteer role.

Lynn was loved and will be missed by her family, friends, neighbors, and former co-workers.

Due to Covid-19, the Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Noon at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church, 1640 Fawcett Avenue, White Oak, PA 15131. Arrangements are being handled by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177).

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com

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Originally published September 20, 2022.

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