Mary Antorietto McKay was born in Italy on January 1, 1897. Her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Athens, Ohio. She graduated from high school in Athens and enrolled at Ohio University. There she became a member a charter member of the Delta Chapter of Theta Phi Alpha in June 1919. She was the chapter’s first president.
As a student she was Secretary/Treasurer of the School Administration Club and that may have had a bearing on the direction of her future. She graduated with a B.S. degree in 1920.
She remained at Ohio University working as an assistant registrar and university recorder. In 1944, she earned a master’s degree and is listed as part of the Arts and Sciences faculty in the 1945 yearbook.
1945 Ohio University yearbook
She served as a member of Theta Phi Alpha’s Grand Council from 1921-1923. A snippet in the Athens paper in June 1930, noted that she, Marie Josten and Melba Harwick were heading to the Theta Phi Alpha convention in Ann Arbor.
After her retirement from Ohio University, she moved to Florida. In December 1964, she married Reginald Reynolds McKay. They had nine years together before his death in 1973.
Travelling was a hobby and she visited all the state capitals in the 48 continental United States. She enjoyed playing bridge and was an active member of the Audubon Society.
McKay died on December 23, 2003 at the age of 106. She donated her body to science.
