Anne Clowes McKay

Anne Clowes McKay, 93, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026 in Richford, VT.

Born on May 5, 1932 in Allentown, PA, Anne was the beloved daughter of Lloyd Roberts Clowes & Dorothy Farnham Clowes. Anne took great pride in having graduated from Brown University (Pembroke) in 1954. In addition to raising eight children (a more than full-time job), she worked as a psychologist & counselor in Worcester, MA.

Throughout her life, Anne was known for her sense of humor, her ability to make friends wherever she went, and her staunch advocacy for organizations like the ACLU and her stewardship of the natural world. Anne enjoyed collecting antiques, participating in her local writing group, patronizing the arts locally, and working with the Missisquoi River Basin Association. She was proud to have been involved with the Missisquoi River's federal designation as a Wild and Scenic River in 2014. Anne and her husband Bruce donated a 2.8 acre parcel of land at the base of the Troy Big Falls to the Vermont River Conservancy. This property is now designated as the Big Falls Eddy and will carry a plaque in memoriam to Anne and Bruce McKay.

Anne is survived by her children Donald McKay and his wife Sherry, Linda (McKay) Brewer, Scott McKay and his partner Wendy Ong, Jennifer (McKay) Kennison and her husband Dana, Gail (McKay) Lacey and her husband Philip, Keith McKay and his wife Christine, her daughter-from-another mother, Laura Need, her good friends Pat Florio, Bill and Suzi Byers, and Herbert Holmes, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Anne was preceded in death by her husband Robert Bruce McKay, her son David McKay and her daughter Judy (McKay) Lowry.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 8, 2026, at Miles Funeral Home in Holden, MA, at 10:00 am, followed by an interment service at Grove Cemetery and reception at the Nimrod League of Holden 168 Coal Kiln Rd, Princeton, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Missisquoi River Basin Association online at https://www.mrbavt.com/donate or by check at Missisquoi River Basin Association, 2839 VT Route 105, East Berkshire, VT 05447, if desired.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Our Lady of the Meadows in Richford, VT for their loving care of Anne and her family members during her last days. Anne is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

To share a message or offer condolences, please visit her guestbook.