KATHLEEN W. "KAY" McAVOY

McAVOY, KATHLEEN W. "KAY" 1921 to 2012 Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, and widow of Retired Colonel, U.S. Army, Donald W. (Mac) McAvoy, passed away on April 14, 2012, in her home surrounded by family. Born in Sheridan, Illinois, on May 7, 1921, Kay grew up in a family of musicians known to locals as the Winder Family Band. In her early years, she cultivated a love for popular music, singing, dancing, dramatics and playing the piano, passions that continued throughout her life. Upon graduation from high school, Kay completed studies at Katherine Gibbs School for Secretaries in New York with highest honors, and immediately went to work for a high-ranking official in The Department of State in Washington, D.C. Following World War II, Kay was appointed secretary to the U.S. Ambassador in Berlin, Germany, where she met her future husband, Donald, who was serving as a Vice Consul at the time. As the wife of a career Army officer, Kay fulfilled her dream to travel the world, living in several different countries including, Germany, England, France, Japan, and Korea, and numerous cities in the U.S. After Don's retirement, the couple made their home in Poway, where both were active in the community. Kay committed her time to volunteer service with the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, serving as chair of many committees, and in 1995, attained the distinguished appointment to Deacon of the Church. After Don's passing in December of 2010, Kay joined his lifelong Catholic faith and attended St. Michael's Catholic Church in Poway. Kay is predeceased by her two brothers, Hiram L. Winder and Wayne M. Winder, and her husband of 63 years, Donald W. McAvoy. She is survived by daughters Marilyn McAvoy Bergman (Robert), Patricia L. Swanson (David), three grandchildren, James (Joan), Jenna and Jacob Swanson, and two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Lillian Swanson. A memorial mass will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Friday, April 20th, at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Dearborn Memorial Park in Poway. Memorial donations may be made to the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church (RBCPC) designated for the Children's Music and Drama Fund, 17010 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA 92128.