Arline Clara Mckay

Arline Clara McKay, 95, of Unionville, died unexpectedly at her home on December 10, 2015.

Arline was born at her parents' home on the shore of Saginaw Bay near Unionville on May 27, 1920. Her parents were Clare and Manila (Moore) Thomas, a commercial fishing family. Arline was their first child, and four sisters and two brothers would follow. She would spend her years growing up on or near the water; and she would maintain a life-long love of the water, boats, and light houses.

She began working at an early age, first caring for her younger sisters and brothers and later working in the fishing business. The family moved periodically in pursuit of fish; and Arline spent extended periods in Naubinway (Lake Michigan) and Presque Isle, Black River, and Harbor Beach, all on Lake Huron. She also lived in Emerson, a lumbering ghost town on the shore of Whitefish Bay (Lake Superior). In spite of her frequent moves, Arline was an excellent student and loved school. Unfortunately, she was forced to quit school after the 10th grade in order to work full time in the family business.

On February 26, 1940, she married Allen McKay, also of Unionville. Together they would live in the Unionville area and raise two sons, Wayne born in 1942 and Terry born in 1945. Arline took a very active role in their education with lots of help and encouragement. She was also very active in PTA and the Band Boosters during their school years. After they were grown, she resumed her own school efforts and earned her high school diploma through the Unionville School System. She would remain an avid reader and prolific writer throughout her life.

Arline supported a variety of activities in her community through volunteer work. She had a talent for business and held numerous leadership positions. She was a member of the Unionville Moravian Church and active supporter in many ways. One notable accomplishment was her work on the Akron Township election board, a position she held for almost 50 years.

After her husband Allen died of cancer in 1987, she took hospice volunteer training at Bay Medical. She worked as a hospice volunteer for Bay Med/McLaren for more than twenty-five years and was twice named volunteer of the year. In addition to her hospice work, she made a large effort to maintain regular contact with the sick and aged who were becoming isolated from their community. This work involved family, friends, and even strangers.

Arline is preceded in death by her husband, Allen; both parents; brothers, Harley and Vern Thomas; sisters, Elspeth Koepf, Leota Trischler, and Clarene Ainsworth.

She is survived by her sons, Wayne and Terry McKay, both of Unionville; sister Leona Trischler of Bay City; grandchildren: Angela (Greg) Konigsbauer of Evergreen, CO, Steve (Daria) McKay of Westminster, CO, and Kristi (Mike) Kusek of Otsego, MI; five beloved great grandchildren: Jack and Charlotte Konigsbauer, Zenon and Sonya McKay, and Leo Kusek. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Her life was enriched by them as they included her in their lives, particularly after the death of her husband. She also leaves many friends, some as distant as Canada, Caribbean, and Australia.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 13, 2015, at Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing from 3-6pm.

The funeral service will take place Monday, December 14, 2015, at the Unionville Moravian Church. The memorial service will begin at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Unionville Moravian Church, McLaren Hospice, ACW Ambulance Service, or the donor's favorite charity.

Burial will take place privately at Hickory Island Cemetery in Akron Township.