Mary Alice McKay

Mary Alice Toso McKay went to her eternal reward on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the age of 91. Beloved wife of Donald E. McKay, Sr. for 67 years. Daughter of Michael Joseph Toso and Alice Noelle Mary Toso. Loving mother of Maureen McKay Poche (Lee) who proceeded her, Donald E. McKay, Jr. (Indie), Megan McKay and Miliss McKay Christman (John). She was “M’amie” to her 6 grandchildren, Kevin M. Poche (Rachel), Sr. Celeste Mary Poche, Patrick T. McKay (Samantha), Sean M. McKay (Sarah), Bradley D. Latham and Michael J. McKay, and her 2 great grandchildren, Adair Therese Poche and Sophie Flynn McKay. Mary Alice is also survived by her siblings, Michael J. Toso, Jr. (Patricia) and Donald R. Toso, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Alice attended St. Matthias Catholic School, Ursuline Academy, and Loyola University. In her youth, she was Queen of the International Rice Festival in Crowley, LA, and was presented at the Washington D.C. Congressional Carnival Ball.

Mary Alice was a school teacher at Andrew Wilson School, and remained a teacher at heart throughout her life. She taught her children and grandchildren the importance of learning…and good penmanship. She incorporated the Ursuline motto “SERVIAM” (I will serve) into every aspect of her live, always making time to help others especially the handicapped and those less fortunate. She did this on a personal, individual level as well through organizations like the Theresians, St. Michael’s Special School, Sophie Gumble Guild, Magnificat, Château de Notre Dame, and her beloved Ursuline, where she won the Distinguished Alumnae Award and was inducted into the Ursuline Hall of Fame.

Mary Alice’s Catholic faith defined her as she remained steadfast to the principles of faith, hope, and charity. She was one of the City’s early advocates in the Pro-Life movement, never wavering in her belief in the preciousness of life. She was instrumental in the opening of the City’s first Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Name of Jesus, and for many years was a tireless recruiter of adorers.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, 2701 State St., New Orleans, LA at 12 noon, Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Visitation will be at the same location from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Maureen McKay Poche Mission Fund at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor at 2734 Nashville, Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115, or St. Michael’s Special School, 1522 Chippewa St., New Orleans, LA 70130. On line guestbook at www.greenwoodfh.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary Alice McKay, please visit our Tree Store.