Joan D. McGay

In the wee hours of the morning Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Joan McGay slipped peacefully away from us.

Joan was a powerful advocate with a lifelong commitment to social justice. She began her work supporting families facing addiction and ultimately transitioned to Parish Social Ministry where she founded the Parish Outreach programs at St. Anthony’s RC Church in Oceanside and St. Joseph the Worker RC Church in East Patchogue.

Raised in the Bronx, a graduate of Cathedral HS and St. VIncent’s Nursing School, Joan and her former husband Eddie raised their family in Holbrook, NY.

Survived by her 3 children, Bernadette Smith (Harry), John McGay (Jennifer), Christine Cristoforo (Andy) and 7 Grandchildren, Rose, Em, & Noah Smith, Nicholas & Logan Cristoforo, and  Ryan & Colin McGay. Beloved still by her former spouse Eddie McGay, her sister, Susan Massett, nephews Michael and Kevin Massett and their families.

Her greatest joys in life always centered around her grandchildren and while Alzheimer’s dementia may have stolen some of her independence in her last few years, she never lost her capacity to find joy everywhere.

Memorial visitation:  Sunday March 19th  from 2pm-4:30pm & 7pm-9:30pm at Raynor & D'Andrea Funeral Home 245 Montauk Hwy. West Sayville

Funeral Mass:  Monday, March 20th  11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker RC Church, 510 Narragansett Ave. East Patchogue

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Southern Poverty Law Center https://www.splcenter.org or The Inn "Interfaith Nutrition Network" serving hungry and homeless Long Islanders https://the-inn.org are appreciated.