Liliane G. McKay

Liliane Georgette McKay; 89; stepped into the arms of Jesus on December 8, 2023 in Alexandria, MN where she made her home with her son Sam and his family for the past 5 ½ years. 

Born on August 26, 1934, in Paris, France, Liliane was the daughter of Roger Achille Leroy and Georgette-Josephine (Remy) Leroy. She grew up amidst the turmoil of World War II, finding solace in the halls of Catholic Parochial School, where the sounds of conflict were replaced with the tranquility of education and faith.

In 1955, Liliane embraced a new journey of love and adventure as she exchanged vows in Paris, France in 1955, with Roy Jack McKay, a valiant soldier serving in the United States Army. Their marriage took them across the globe, from Japan to Germany, and various parts of the United States, as they embraced the challenges and triumphs of military life.  Liliane became a US citizen on March 19, 1959, in Junction City, Kansas.

After Roy's retirement in March of 1969, Liliane and her beloved husband settled in Stillwater, Minnesota, where they built a loving home for over 50 years. Liliane's passion for knowledge and dedication to her craft led her to a fulfilling career in the financial sector. She began her professional journey as a bank teller at Washington Federal in Stillwater, MN, later taking on greater responsibilities in the mortgage department. Her commitment and expertise earned her respect and admiration amongst her colleagues.

Outside of work, Liliane found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a knack for recreating the beautiful paintings of Thomas Kincaid and cherished moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Liliane's green thumb was evident in her vibrant garden, where her flowers bloomed with resplendent colors, mirroring the beauty she saw in the world.

As we bid farewell to Liliane, we celebrate her incredible spirit and the legacy she leaves behind. She is survived by her children, Sammy (Jenny) McKay of Alexandria, Patricia Mason of Hastings and Georges McKay of Stillwater, nine grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.  Liliane leaves behind a sister, Rolande Marie, and a step-sister, Hugette Marcello. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Roy in 2012, and her sister Nicole in 2009.

We will always cherish Liliane's captivating storytelling, as she shared memories of her childhood in Paris during the German occupation, bravely retrieving bread for her family amid the dangers of bombings. She was a pillar of strength and immense pride for her family, always radiating warmth with her famous crepes, Christmas log cake, cream puffs, and comforting hugs.  We will miss seeing her, hearing her stories, voice and laughter but we are happy knowing she didn’t have to go down the long road of Alzheimer’s.  She will forever be remembered for her warm, welcoming smile, her love for her family, and her joyous laughter. 

While we mourn the loss of Liliane, let us take solace in the knowledge that she now rests in eternal peace, cradled in the loving arms of Jesus, whom she welcomed into her heart as her Lord and Savior. As we bid her adieu, we hold onto the memories that connect us to her, finding comfort in knowing that one day, the family circle will be complete once again.  Her hand held ours through the generations and now holds the hand of Jesus, waiting for us in heaven to one by one complete the family circle.

Rest in peace, dear Liliane McKay. Your light will forever shine in our hearts.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 11 AM at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, MN.

A visitation will take place one hour prior to the Memorial Service at the Celebration Center in Stillwater.