Mary Jean MacKay

Mary Jean MacKay, 86, formerly of Wilton, NH, died peacefully with her daughter by her side on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at the Good Shepherd Health and Rehabilitation Center in Jaffrey. ‘Jean’ was born in Argus, Indiana on June 6, 1925, daughter of the late Jack and Edwina Maurine (Gahaghan) McCormick. A Purdue University graduate, Jean chose to become a teacher and have a positive influence on young people’s lives. For many years she taught in the schools in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania before progressing into the Waldorf Educational System, both in Kimberton, PA and at the Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, NH. Jean was musical, artistic, and intellectually profound, with a deep love for children and creatures, both large and small. She was considered by many to be ahead of her time with her political activism, especially during the McCarthy Era. She enjoyed being active in the communities in which she called home during her life. She also enjoyed life outside and was always on the go, camping, boating, and travelling across this country and throughout Europe. Jean was a member of the Anthroposophical Society of America and the Christian Community locally. She had been able to express her musical ability as a member of the Monadnock Choir and always enjoyed performing in Handel’s Messiah. She loved life and will be dearly missed. Jean is survived by her daughter, Jane Sawyer of Jaffrey, NH and her son David MacKay of Pierce, Arizona; 2 granddaughters, Jessica Taylor of Wilton, NH and Cassandra Blomgren of West Chesterfield, NH; 1 grandson, David James MacKay of Philadelphia, PA; 7 great-grandchildren, her sister Evelyn Hutchinson of Bryn Mawr, PA, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to the Mary Jean MacKay Memorial Education Fund, c/o TD Bank, 28 Main Street, #1, Jaffrey, NH 03452 where the donations will be evenly distributed among several Special Education Assistance Programs within the Waldorf Education System.

At Jean’s request, there will be no calling hours.

A Memorial Service will take place at the Alice Groh residence at 135 Temple Road Wilton, NH 03086 on Sunday December 4, 2011 at 1:00 PM. Please email groh.alice@gmail.com to RSVP and for more details and directions.