Virginia Berle McKay

GARDINER – Virginia Berle McKay, “Ginny”, 82, of Gardiner, passed away on Dec. 10, 2025.

She was born May 1, 1943, the firstborn to Irene Castle (Chadbourne) and Clarence Frederick McKay, Sr. She was named after her paternal and maternal grandmothers and loved her name. She was one of 16 children and her mother referred to her as “my first angel.” Baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ginny was faithful to God, and like her parents, prayer was an important part of her life.

Ginny attended Gardiner schools, was a hard worker both at home and in her community. Her first job was babysitting her little brothers and sisters and for families in the community. She was employed at Gardiner General Hospital as a housekeeper, where she worked alongside her grandmother, Virginia. She also worked at St. Paul’s Retreat House in Augusta meeting several religious and fellow staff members when assisting in the kitchen. She met lifelong friends Jeanette, Juliette and Cecile LaChance who Ginny said, “They are like my sisters.” Their friendships were a blessing to her.

When Ginny’s Mum opened McKay’s Antique Shop, she helped with cleaning glassware and placing each carefully in its own special spot. Mum was always educating her about each piece. Ginny enjoyed helping and she especially liked helping her Mum select a special Christmas gift for her siblings over the years.

Ginny would often accompany her dad to run errands and attend weekly mass assisting with handing out bulletins. Each Thanksgiving one could find Ginny and Dad breaking bread for “Dad’s famous stuffing” enjoyed by all.

After her parents’ deaths, Ginny moved into an apartment at the old homestead on Lincoln Avenue (owned by a younger sibling and her spouse) where Ginny has lived since April 2017. For Ginny, it was not only a familiar place, but it also became her home once again, and she loved being there. She enjoyed decorating her apartment, showing it off, and truly making it her own. She loved the warmer months when she could sit out on her porch, keeping an eye on the happenings in the neighborhood and enjoying visits with family and friends.

Ginny began most days making sure her tic tacs showed up in her mailbox along with the Kennebec Journal which she read while having her breakfast with a hot cup of Lipton tea, followed by cookies, especially homemade molasses. She took care of her daily chores and then settled in to watch her game shows, talk shows, complete a wordsearch puzzle, Catholic television and football. Ginny was a huge Tom Brady fan when he played for the New England Patriots, and she would call around to make sure we were all ready to watch the game.

Ginny always enjoyed seeing family and getting updates on how we were doing, whether in person or on the phone. Dropping by with goodies and/or seafood takeout from Frye House was something special to enjoy. And sometimes, she received a scratch ticket or two which always made her smile, especially if she won! Ginny always remembered her siblings on their birthdays with a card and often called to sing us Happy Birthday.

Ginny enjoyed taking rides, going out to eat and shopping. She enjoyed driving through Oakland Farms, looking for and saying hello to the animals. She would lower her window and “moo” to the cows, and often she could get them to “moo” back. It tickled her to see them.

Ginny’s goal was to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. With the help of family members, Ginny did just that. In most recent months, she received help and care in her home and recently moved to Gray Birch Nursing Home meeting new friends while being cared for by staff and Hospice until her death. Her family is grateful for the care and love given to her.

Virginia was predeceased by her grandparents; her parents; siblings Timothy James McKay, Judith McKay, and Patricia (McKay) Gosline; nephews Christopher Robinson and Elijah McKay; great-nephew, Kayden Devine, and great-niece, Paitn Marie Hathaway.

Virginia is survived by her siblings Nancy (and Robert) LeClair, Clarence (and Marsha) McKay, Jr., Donnetta (and Daniel) Jamison, Rose (and Richard) McGibney, Jr., Cecilia (and Fred) Cunningham, Paul McKay, Elizabeth (and Reginald) Cooley, Mary (and Ted) Purdy, Leonard (and LeeAnn) McKay, Anita (and Jay) Folckemer, Juanita (and Rudy) Fish and Teresa (and Scott) Hathaway. Virginia is also survived by several nieces, nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where the funeral service will follow at the same venue at 4 p.m. A private family committal will take place on the family lot at St. Joseph Cemetery, Gardiner in the spring.

In remembering Virginia, we invite you to share your memories and photos on the memorial page at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com. Virginia’s story is not only told through her life, but also through the lives of those she touched. We encourage you to celebrate her life by sharing your stories, as they will offer comfort and remind us of her remarkable spirit.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave,, Gardiner.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Virginia’s memory to:

St. Michael Parish

c/o St. Joseph Church

24 Washington St.

Augusta, ME 04330

or online at

https://stmichaelmaine.org/donate

or to

MaineGeneral Health

Office of Philanthropy – Hospice

P.O. Box 828

Waterville, ME 04903

or online at

https://give.mainegeneral.org/give-today