Joyce Mae McKay

FAIRFIELD, Calif. -- Joyce Mae (Furbush) McKay, devoted wife of 55 years and mother of three, was born in Waterville, Maine, on Oct. 13, 1933. Joyce joined her husband Ross in heaven on Feb. 8, 2008.

Joyce was the eldest child of the late Jacob Maynard and Eleanor Mae Furbush of North Belgrade, Maine. Upon graduating from Belgrade High School, Joyce married the love of her life Ross, Oct. 25, 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and settled in Stoney Creek, Ontario, where Joyce worked at a local hospital as a bookkeeper. Later, they moved to Saskatchewan, where Ross attended Bible college. In the summer of 1964, with her husband and two young children, Paul and Sharon, they moved to Richmond. Here they developed lifelong friendships and became members of the First Presbyterian Church.

In 1972, Joyce and Ross became business owners, purchasing a small grocery store in San Pablo that came to be known as McKay's Market. The entire family worked side by side in this small "mom and pop" store, until 1985, when the business was sold and they moved with their youngest son, David, to "Lake of the Pines" in Auburn.

During this time, Joyce worked for various doctors as a bookkeeper and receptionist. Joyce and Ross attended Combie Bible Church were Joyce took the position of church secretary. It was here that Joyce fulfilled her true calling of service, availing herself to those who needed a friend and confidant. Her life was one of devotion, love and service. This was evident throughout her life, as her husband endured many physical ailments. Joyce never questioned her commitment to him or her family. Frequently, she returned home to Maine, visiting the place she adored, her loving family and friends that she missed so much. (Of course, she always found time to stop in at L.L. Bean for a quick shopping trip as well!) Her focus in life was family; her greatest joy was spending time with her husband, her children and their families. She cherished the times when the entire family would gather together.

Joyce was recently preceded in death by her loving husband, Gordon Ross McKay.

She is survived by her children and their families, Paul and Terri McKay, their children Mandi and Lindsey of Fairfield, Sharon Reichelt and her children, Nicolas and Scott of Sacramento, David and Ally McKay, their children Taylor and Ian McKay and Lauren and Luke Hannemann of El Dorado Hills. Joyce is also survived by brothers Paul Furbush of Hallowell, Maine, Darrel Furbush of Oakland, Maine; sister Audrey Catassi of Golden, Colo., and stepsister Elouise Lybrook of Oakland, Maine.

Her sister, Hazel Jacques, formerly of Waterville, Maine, preceded her in death.

Joyce leaves behind many loved relatives and friends.

Loved by all and deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace with Ross and they are together with their savior Jesus Christ for eternity.

Memorial service to be announced.