Kay B. McKenney, 78, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born August 15, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Neil and Irene Backus from Pyrites, NY. Kay was a National Honor Society student at Canton High School and graduated in 1957. She received a full scholarship to St. Lawrence University and majored in Biology and Chemistry, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1961. Her career began at the St. Lawrence County Medical Laboratory as a Medical Technician 1961. The following year she moved to Syracuse and joined Bristol Meyer Laboratories as a Research Scientist for many years. In 1979, Kay moved to Fort Wayne with her family where she was employed at Parkview Hospital as Lab Supervisor and later at Dupont Hospital as a Lab Director until her retirement. She was also a Mary Kay Consultant for many years and enjoyed helping women see their beauty inside and out. Her favorite pass time was spending time with her family. She very much enjoyed reading, playing bridge with friends, and spoiling her great-grandchildren. Kay had an amazing heart and touched everyone that met her. There is no replacing the “Queen” of the family and she will be greatly missed. Surviving are her two sons, F. Michael McKenney,lI, and Richard J. McKenney (Carrie) both of Fort Wayne. Also surviving is her best friend, Frederick Michael McKenney of Hilton, NY; 1 granddaughter, and 2 great-grandchildren who she loved deeply and saw often. Kay was preceded in death by her twin brother, Capt. Kenneth Backus who was killed in the Vietnam War in 1967. Kay’s Memorial Service was held Tuesday, June 27, 2017 in Ft. Wayne. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the Wounded Warriors Project. Per her wishes, the family plans to return her remains to the Backus family cemetery plot in Hermon, NY. These plans are pending at this time.
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