Marilynn Rose McKay (Spetoskey)

Marilynn Rose McKay (Spetoskey), age 85, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025. Born on November 15, 1939, to Stella and Lawrence Spetoskey, Marilynn was a lifelong resident of West Michigan, where she built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. The only daughter among seven children, Marilynn grew up in a lively household with her six brothers--Paul, Bob, Gary, Daniel, Stanley and Larry--who cherished her warmth, resilience, and spirited presence. She attended Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, where she was active in the band, and later earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from Grand Rapids Junior College. Marilynn began her nursing career in her teens and went on to serve for more than 40 years in the field. She worked in nursing homes and alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, offering compassionate care and unwavering support to those in need. Her dedication to healing and service touched countless lives and reflected her deep empathy and strength. She married George Douglas McKay Jr., and together they had six children, whom she lovingly raised as a single mother after their divorce. Her children include Kevin McKay, formerly married to Amy McKay-Schaafsma; Sean McKay, married to Anne McKay; Brian McKay, formerly married to Kathy McKay-Carr; Doug McKay, married to Wendy McKay; Jeff McKay, married to Karen McKay; and Jennifer (McKay) MacLachlan, married to Duncan MacLachlan. Marilynn was a devoted grandmother to twenty-one grandchildren: Nathan McKay, Olivia McKay, Casey McKay, Cadey McKay, Andrew McKay, Shayna McKay, Alex McKay, Tony McKay, Matt McKay, Jess McKay, Alisha McKay, Robert McKay, Julie McKay, George IV McKay, Iain McKay, Nicholas McKay, Marcus McKay, Sophia McKay, Tristan McKay, Cecilia MacLachlan, Marty MacLachlan. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Milo, Evie, Felix, Eleanor, Wren, Isidore, Owen and Theodore. Marilynn was a woman of deep faith and musical talent. She played guitar and bass, sang in the choir, and led the guitar group at her church for several years. She also volunteered at the church store and participated in senior programs, always eager to serve and uplift others. Beyond her devotion to caregiving and community, Marilynn possessed a lifelong thirst for knowledge. She was an avid reader, often found with a book in hand, exploring everything from history and spirituality to fiction and poetry. Her curiosity extended beyond the page, she loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to learn from the world around her. She was active in several international student exchanges and cherished the young people who stayed and became lifelong members of her family. Whether through international travel, road trips, family visits, or quiet moments of reflection, Marilynn sought wisdom and wonder in every experience. She will be remembered for her gentle strength, intellectual spirit, musical soul, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who were blessed to know her. A gathering of her family and friends will take place on Wednesday July 30th at Arsulowicz Brothers East Mortuary, 937 Michigan Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The tribute to her life will be from 6-8pm with a rosary at 7pm. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday July 31st at 10:00am at St Alphonsus Church located at 224 Carrier Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 where her family will receive visitors one hour prior. Luncheon to follow. Thank you for your love and kindness shown to Marilynn and her entire family. Peace be with you.

Tributes

Marilynn Rose McKay (Spetoskey)

November 15, 1939 - July 24, 2025