MCNEFF, Catharine (Kay)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ March 20, 2008 Catharine "Kay" McNeff died March 16, 2008, in Pinetop. Kay was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 26, 1926. Her family moved to Clementon, N.J. She was married to Major General Ed McNeff for 63 years. Together they shared a career in the U.S. Air Force where she created a warm and loving home during their many assignments throughout the United States and the Orient, while he fulfilled his military duties. She unconditionally loved and embraced her five children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by them as being compassionate and always willing to help and support them without being judgmental. The greatest tragedy of her life was the death of son Thomas in 1983. While living in the Phoenix area before moving to the White Mountains, she devoted many years working in the hospice program comforting and helping those who had lost loved ones or who were themselves suffering terminal illness. By nature and temperament, she was uniquely qualified to provide that support. Kay was a lifelong Catholic and unwavering in her faith in God. After moving to Pinetop, she joined the St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. She was the past president of the local branch of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul and volunteered many hours as a cashier at the thrift store located on McCoy Street. In that service she made many friends throughout the community. In life and in coping with the leukemia that took her from her family and friends, Kay demonstrated great courage and strength. She always looked for the sunny side of every situation life presented and relied on her faith to smooth out the rough spots. She will be forever loved and kept in our hearts. She is survived by her husband, Ed; brother Joseph Lacey and sister-in-law Barbara of Cape May, N.J.; son Michael and daughter-in-law Linda; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Tuca; daughter Jean Ann and daughter Cathy Shaw and son-in-law Rob; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her life and faith will be celebrated Easter Sunday, March 23, in Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church on Penrod Road in Pinetop at 1:30 p.m. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the local Society of St. Vincent De Paul at the thrift store, 1529 S. McCoy, P.O. Box 819, Pinetop, AZ 85935 or the church office.