Kathleen "Kay" Boyd McReavy

McReavy, Kathleen "Kay" Boyd age 95, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully at her home on July 1, 2026. She was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on May 1, 1931. She grew up in a home that her parents built on an apple orchard directly across the street from Forest Hill Cemetery. She often said that she was destined to marry a funeral director. Kay served as Vice President of Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services. As the matriarch of her family she provided inspiration, support, guidance, and vision for many of the achievements and successes of the family business, Washburn-McReavy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, William L. "Bill" McReavy; her parents, Boyd and Sara Hammer; her sister, Vivien Jarvis; and her cherished dog, Muff. She is survived by her children; Don (Karen) McReavy of Colorado, Cyndi McReavy-Seitz of Minneapolis, Sandie (Tim) Shaughnessy of North Carolina, and William W. "Bill Jr." McReavy of Minneapolis; 11 grandsons; and 25 great-grandchildren. Kay attended Duluth East High School through her sophomore year before graduating from St. Louis Park High School in 1949. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with honors from the University of Minnesota in 1953 and was a proud member of the Tri Delta Sorority. While attending the University of Minnesota, she met Bill, and the two were married on June 11, 1954. Together they raised their four children in St. Anthony, Minnesota. Following graduation, Kay taught at both Edina Wooddale School and Pillsbury Elementary School in Northeast Minneapolis. Reflecting on her years as an educator, she often said, "I loved teaching second grade. It was so special. They know a lot, but they don't know everything." Kay was a member of P.E.O. and the Order of the Eastern Star, forming many lifelong friendships through her involvement in both organizations. In 1975, Kay joined The Woman's Club of Minneapolis after learning of the club's plans to restore the historic Ard Godfrey House, built in 1849. Believing it to be a worthwhile endeavor, she volunteered her time and talents to the project. She later served as Chair of the Ard Godfrey House in 1983. In 1985, as Chair of the Minneapolis Woman's Club Civic Contributions Committee, she established the organization's first gala fundraiser to support nonprofit organizations and community grants. She went on to serve as President of The Woman's Club of Minneapolis from 1987 to 1989. Kay and Bill were passionate supporters of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Together, they were dedicated philanthropists, supporting men's football, basketball, and hockey, as well as women's basketball and hockey programs. Kay especially loved figure skating and speed skating and often said later in life, "If I were in college today, I would try out for the women's hockey team." Bill and Kay shared a remarkable marriage and partnership. They worked tirelessly to grow the family business while also creating countless family memories, especially during vacations on Sanibel Island. Kay will be remembered for her generosity, leadership, devotion to family, community involvement, and unwavering support of those she loved. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives she touched. Funeral service to be held Wednesday, July 8th, at 11am with visitation one hour prior at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S, Mpls. A live Webcast or recorded service may be viewed at www.Washburn-McReavy.com. There will be two nights of visitation. First will be held Monday, July 6th, 4-7pm at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th Street, Edina; second will be Tuesday, July 7th, 4-7pm at the Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel, 2610 19th Ave NE, Mpls. Interment Lakewood Cemetery next to her beloved husband. If so desired memorials may be directed to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, The McReavy Family Charitable Foundation, The Woman's Club of Mpls, or donor's choice.

Kathleen "Kay" Boyd McReavy

May 1, 1931 - July 1, 2026

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