Ann Marie “Amy” (Boe) MacKay

February 21, 2016 Last Updated: February 21, 2016 12:00 PM Death Notice

Ann Marie “Amy” (Boe) MacKay, 86, passed away Sunday at Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Amy was the ultimate hostess, whether it be an intimate dinner for two, a brunch for neighbors or cocktails for 100, you could always count on having an amazing time singing, dancing and playing a variety of instruments.

She was married to the love of her life, Pete, for 63 years. They met at her best friend's family reunion and it was love at first sight. Even though she lived in Montreal, Canada, and he in Pittsburgh, they corresponded through letters and were married July 12, 1952, in Montreal. Together they would travel the world, visiting countries near and far.

Amy was born in Boston, Mass., but moved to Montreal, Canada, when she was six months old. She lived there until she was 22. She was the daughter of George Ferdinand Boe and Magnhild Joan Boe (Halseth), both of Norwegian descent.

Preceding her in death was her sister, Constance Joan Duggan. Norway was always an everlasting prescience in her life. Her husband, Pete, gave her the nickname “Amy” after they saw the movie “Where's Charlie.” Ray Bolger sang the song, “Once in Love with Amy” and the name stuck.

Once married there were several moves, and they ultimately settled between Butler and Pittsburgh. She raised three children, Linda L. Long of Surfside Beach, S.C., William “Bill” MacKay Jr. of Pittsburgh and Traci J. Slaybaugh of Phoenixville, Pa.

Joy came with her seven grandchildren, Annmarie Arnold of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Meghan Hodges of Savannah, Ga., Ashley MacKay of Atlanta, Ga., Taylor MacKay of Butler, William Long of Surfside Beach, S.C., Connor Slaybaugh of Phoenixville, Pa., and Noah Slaybaugh of Phoenixville, Pa. Amy loved having them spend summers with them at their “Loghouse” and then at their “Creekhouse.”

Her first great-granddaughter, Emily, was born July 2014 and was the highlight of their retirement community, their final destination, in Pawleys Island, S.C.

A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, she was dedicated to delivering Meals on Wheels, often taking her granddaughter along with her. Mrs. MacKay also served on the board of the Spina Bifida/The Woodland Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disability and chronic illness. She spent many years tirelessly fundraising for it.

Family was her nucleus. Nothing made her happier than everyone being together, especially for Christmas. She was a bright and shining star — there was never enough bling. She has left a bit of glitter on all of us.

MACKAY — A memorial service for Ann Marie “Amy” (Boe) MacKay, who died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, 11528 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, S.C.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Woodlands Foundation, 134 Shenot Road Wexford, PA 15090.An online guest book is available at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com/obituaries.