Mary F. McClay

Mary F. McClay obituary, Oakdale, IL

Mary F. McClay

Mary McClay Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Campagna Funeral Home - Nashville on Feb. 15, 2026.
Mrs. Mary F. McClay of Oakdale, IL, departed this life at Axiom Gardens of Nashville, IL on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:55 P.M. She had attained the age of 92 years and 1 day.

Mary was born on February 13, 1934, in Elkton, IL the daughter of Thomas S. and Margaret (nee Kerr) Dahncke. She was united in marriage to James L. "Larry" McClay on December 19, 1952, at the United Presbyterian Church in Oakdale and he survives her passing.

Mary was a homemaker and she was baptized, confirmed and lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church of Oakdale. She was a member of the Washington County Home Extension, Oakdale Lamp Lighters, United Presbyterian Friendship Circle and she served on the Oakdale Ballpark Board. Mary enjoyed dancing, gardening, baking, playing card games, and valued time spent with her family.

Left to mourn her passing is her husband, James L. "Larry" McClay of Oakdale; 3 sons, Michael (Dawn) McClay of Hendersonville, TN, Steve (Denise) McClay of Oakdale, and Brad McClay of Nashville; 6 grandchildren, Nicholas (Maud) McClay, Meredith (Andrew) Podoll, Mitchell (Aubrey) McClay, Colby (Erica) McClay, Kelsey (Kyle) Mueller, and Callie (Austin) Schorfheide; 10 great grandchildren, Margaux, Easton, Adalynn, Pierson, Wells, Jedd, Ada, Halle, Rory and Beau; 3 siblings, Tom (Kathy) Dahncke, Judy (Tony) Doehring and Allan (Rhonda) Dahncke all of Nashville; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Maurice (Marietta) Dahncke; sister, Alice (Nathan) Kniker and great granddaughter, Harper Mueller.

Per the wishes of Mary and her family, cremation will be performed and a Celebration of Life will be held at the United Presbyterian Church in Oakdale on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 3 P.M. with Pastor Daniel Simonton officiating.

Friends may call at the United Presbyterian Church of Oakdale on Saturday from 1 P.M. until 3 P.M.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Oakdale United Presbyterian Church Wednesday Meal program or the St. Jude's Hospital and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home, who is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Mary F. McClay, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Mary F. McClay, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Mary's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary McClay's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Mary McClay's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?