Mary Veronica Mckay

Mary Veronica McKay was born in Charleston on June 13, 1924, the sole child of James Joseph McKay and Veronica Murphy McKay. Mary attended Charleston elementary schools and was a graduate of Bishop England High school. She was also a graduate of the St. Francis Xavier School of Nursing, receiving her nursing degree in 1946. Mary's career in nursing spanned over 50 years. She served as nursing supervisor for more than 37 years at Bon Secours-St. Francis Xavier Hospital. She epitomized the spirit of St. Francis and was known throughout the hospital and the healthcare community for her compassion, integrity, dedication to service and selflessness. Throughout her career, Mary wore her traditional nurses cap and uniform which was the outward expression of her pride in being a prominent member of the nursing profession. She often stated that her passion for nursing was the result of lessons taught her by the Sisters of Charity of our Lady of Mercy, the hospital's founders. Mary's career was recognized in an article in the Post and Courier commemorating her 50 years of service as a nurse. Mary was quoted as saying "I love the people here, they keep me young." Retired surgeon Dr. Morey Lipton was quoted in the same article saying "Mary kept up with advances in modern technology but never lost any of the bedside nursing skills so valuable in the nursing profession". Her distinguished career in the nursing profession earned her many accolades, including the St. Francis Xavier Hospital's dedicated service award, the highest honor bestowed on an employee each year. It was presented to Mary in the hospital's headquarters in Baltimore and was one of the highlights of her professional career. Mary was known for her fine taste in clothing and jewelry. She was always immaculately dressed, full of charm and elegance. She was the epitome of a true Southern Lady, always smiling and enjoyed bringing baked goods to her friends and family, especially unannounced. Mary was a member of several service organizations, women's clubs and a founding director of the James A. McAlister Funeral Home. Mary was raised as a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In later years, she was a regular attendee at daily Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church. She was truly devoted to her faith and was welcomed into the hands of her maker with a rosary in her hand and a smile on her face. She will always be fondly remembered by her godchildren. She will be sadly missed by her many personal and professional friends. The relatives and friends of Mary V. McKay are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM Thursday, September 29, 2011, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery. Friends may call at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. this Wednesday evening between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Mary's Church Restoration Fund, 89 Hasell St. Charleston, SC 29401 or to The Roper St. Francis Foundation 60 Barre St. Charleston, SC 29401. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation 766-1365