Judy Mcclay

Judy Ann (Gagnon) McClay, 71, died peacefully and beautifully on June 24, 2019 with her family by her side at Northern Light EMMC after courageously fighting breast cancer for 24 years. She was born October 17, 1947 in Caribou Maine to Willard and Rinette (Picard) Gagnon, the oldest of 6 children. The family later moved to East Millinocket, and Judy graduated from Schenck High School in 1966. She went on to attend St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Bangor, and worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an LPN. She met Richard (Dick) McClay, and they married in 1971. After the birth of their only child Melissa, Judy was a devoted mother who was active as a classroom volunteer and a Girl Scout leader for many years. Judy later worked for 27 years for the Bangor School Department, retiring in 2014. She touched the lives of many students, and one of her proudest achievements was being named the 2012 Special Education Paraprofessional of the Year by the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities. Judy was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church, and was pleased to serve in the St. Paul the Apostle Parish Women’s Council as the Corresponding Secretary. She also loved participating in the Current Events club. Judy adored her grandson, Patrick, and loved being his Memere. She was defined by her faith, her dedication to her family, her work ethic, her courage and her strength. She was seen as a source of support to many. Judy is survived by her husband of over 47 years, Dick; her daughter Melissa, son-in-law Scott Young and grandson Patrick: siblings Lloyd, Doug, Diane and Dan Gagnon and wife Karen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to count. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Myra Gagnon Boyer. Friends may call from 2-4 PM, Sunday, June 30, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 AM, Monday, July 1, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York Street, Bangor, followed by the Rite of Committal at Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor. Following the Committal Prayers, the family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the parish hall of St. John’s Catholic Church. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, C/O Northern Light Health Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.