OTISFIELD — Crystal Irene McKay, 80, passed away peacefully in her home on September 7, 2024, following a brief illness.

She was born June 19, 1944, to Lester and Shirley (Scribner) Thomas at Norway Hospital and attended schools in Otisfield and Norway. She graduated from Edward Little High School in 1963. Crystal learned the value of hard work from an early age, first doing chores on the poultry farm and, at the age of 14, began earning money at the Great Oak Boys Camp on nearby Saturday Pond. Crystal attended Bliss College while raising two young sons, working at Norway Country Club where she met her husband, Clyde W. McKay. They married in 1965 and both began working at Pioneer Plastics. Following a move to Auburn, a third son was born. The family was active in baseball, camping at the family-owned Hidden Lake Campground on Moose Pond, and enjoying drives in the White Mountains.

Crystal returned to Otisfield, renovating the one-room schoolhouse adjacent to her parents’ farm and turning it into a home. This allowed her to care for her parents in their later years. She continued her career in customer service at Akers and Chrysler, then at New England Surfaces. She retired from Dead River Company in 2009.

Crystal exemplified service to the community through her active involvement in several organizations throughout her life. She was a founding member of the Pioneer Plastics Employee Credit Union. Crystal served on the board of directors of Rainbow and Dirigo FCU for over 40 years. In her 62 years as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Elmvale Chapter, she held multiple offices including Worthy Matron, state Grand Marshal, and representative to Idaho. She was president of the VFW Auxiliary Post 9787 in South Paris where her efforts to support veterans included dinners, tag sales, and delivering cards, gifts and necessities to VA hospitals. Crystal practiced her faith at the United Parish Congregational Church where she served as deacon, sang in the choir, and played in the bell choir. For many years, Crystal and Clyde served Thanksgiving meals to those who would otherwise go without.

Beloved to Crystal were her family. She planned gatherings on birthdays and holidays and traveled throughout the country visiting out-of-state friends and relatives. As a lifelong baseball fan, Crystal enjoyed watching the Red Sox and attended Portland Sea Dogs games.

Crystal is survived by her sons and their wives, David and Lynda McKay, and Mark and Jo’Anna McKay of Otisfield, and Kevin and Terry McKay of Raymond; her grandchildren Ryan McKay and Chad (Sarah) McKay, both of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Allison McKay of Cumberland, and Talia (Eric) Lizotte of Gorham; great-grandsons Maverick McKay and Lee Lizotte.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother Edward, husband Clyde, and companion Bob Moore.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 28 at 1 p.m. at the United Paris Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton, 77 Main Street, Harrison.

In lieu of flowers, Crystal requested that donations be offered to the Harrison Food Bank, 176 Waterford Rd., Harrison, ME 04040.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.chandlerfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris.