Jeanne Ann McKay

After a lifetime of art, culture and community service, Jeanne passed on November 21st from cardiac arrest, just a few days before her 78th birthday. Jeanne was born to Suzanne and Albert McKay, and she and her two brothers, William and Alan, traveled extensively following Albert’s assignments as an Air Force officer. In her youth she lived in Texas, Japan, New York, Virginia, and Montana. As a teenager, Jeanne enjoyed fashion design and modeling and was cast in television commercials that demonstrated her beauty and winning smile.

In 1965, the family moved to Santa Barbara, where Jeanne attended UCSB studying Art History, which would be a lifelong passion. Jeanne explored her family roots studying for a year in Scotland at St. Andrews University. After graduation, she made her home in San Francisco, and worked downtown at Gumps, dealing in fine art collectables. After a time, Jeanne developed an interest in business and returned to school for a degree in Finance. She worked initially in tax accounting and then transitioned her skills to managing foundations in Santa Barbara. She maintained her interest in “all things British”, and took her young niece, Carolee, on a whirlwind tour of London.

Jeanne remained single throughout her life, yet with many friends including valued colleagues in the Santa Barbara Associates. She enjoyed family reunions that connected her with relatives, and she delighted in the adventures of her niece and nephew, Carolee and Nick, and their children. She was devoted to her family of origin and cared for her mother and for her Aunt Eleanor Van Cott in their final time of life in Santa Barbara.

Friends and family will remember Jeanne for her intelligence and wit, her commitment to the Santa Barbara community, and most of all, for her kindness to others.

At her request, she will join her parents and extended family in their final resting place in Whitehall, Montana, where her mother was raised.

Godspeed, Jeanne Ann McKay.