Elsmer Naomi McKay Obituary (1929

Elsmer Naomi McKay (Smith) September 28, 1929 - April 30, 2024 Elsmer was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She and her family moved to Richland, WA when she was 8 years old. They later moved to Bremerton. Elsmer graduated from Bremerton High School in 1947. She then went on to become a licensed cosmetologist. On their first date, her future husband said: "I'm going to marry you." She laughed at that, but on June 19, 1948, Elsmer and Gordon Elmer McKay were married. They began their married life in Bremerton and moved to Gorst in 1954. Elsmer was active in Junior Women's, enjoyed swimming at the Parkwood pool, bowled on several teams, supported her children in their numerous activities, enjoyed time with her grandchildren, traveling in their motorhome, gardening, and loved visiting (and shopping) with her dear friends. Elsmer and Gordon were married almost 55 years. Gord passed suddenly on March 20, 2003. She continued to live in the same house that her husband built until last June when she was hospitalized from a fall. She passed peacefully at The Ridge in Silverdale. Most of her family and friends have passed on, including son Gordon Alan McKay and four brothers, Russell Hawkins, Jerald Ray Smith, Carl Smith, Alford Smith and Ralph Smith, Jr. Elsmer is survived by her daughter Carma McKay (Cheryl Jones), her daughter-in-law, Shelley Farmer McKay, 3 granddaughters, Nicole McKay Ziz (Sebastien), Andrea McKay Merritt (Joshua), and Jessica Perkins, 2 step-grandchildren (Annie Zhukovsky and Ryan Ritter-Jones), 2 great-grandchildren (Nathaniel and Nicholas Merritt), 4 step great-grandchildren (Mateo, Selena, Noah, and Molly Ziz), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 10th at 11:30 am at Forest Lawn Cemetery (5409 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels (2817 Wheaton Way, Suite 208, Bremerton, WA 98310, Kaiser Permanente Hospice (201 16th Avenue East, CHM-C140; Seattle, WA 98112), or The Rotary Club of the University District (P. O. Box 31125, Seattle, WA 98103). Remembrances may be sent to Carma McKay (22985 - 24th Ave. W., Brier, WA 98036 or CarmaMcKay@gmail.com). Arrangements entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton, Washington.