My condolences to Ms. McKay's family.  I knew Ms. McKay through my mother, Ms. Anetta Leonard. Long time memories of those cookies she baked, I got them regardless of where I lived. Her book and sharing with my mother is etched in my memory. I shard pecans for baking with her after my mother past. We talked and shared great memories.  Will miss her. 

Dear Family 

At this hour of sudden death of your mother. I want to Share my heartfelt condolences with you. Let her soul rest in peace at the feet of Almighty. Have courage to face the situation we are all with you in sharing your irrepairable loss, which no words can fill in. We all pray Allah to give you the strength.

Aaeshah carter

Love my Aunt — with Aunt Nellie and Amy Moody

My sincere condolences to the family. Ms. McKay was to the staff members of Congressman Jose E Serrano another family member, an advocate for the community and a dear friend.  She will be dearly missed by me. She was also a great cook and baker. She spoiled us on holidays with her baking. Nellie you are gone but will never be forgotten. RIP 🙏🙏👼

My Utmost For His Highest. Was how she lived. Sorrowful and, Joyful. Home with Jesus.  

Sis Angela Marie Kanston

Mrs. Nellie McKay: A Lifetime of Community Advocacy

Nellie McKay a True Servant for Community Life By The Grace and Help and Strength Of The Lord. May she be Granted Paradise. She was a great servant for The Lord. A dedicated Constant Worker For Truth and Justice. She lives on through everyone whose lives she came in contact with. She was a Shining Light. Shine on Through Us, The People

Sis. Angela Marie Kanston and Sons

I have known Mrs. McKay since I was 17 years old, when I met Wadi. She told me I will always be her daughter.  And I am her daughter. Even though Wadi and I never married, Mrs McKay was there for me, Nylajha, and Wadi every step of the way.  Mrs. McKay has given me comfort, advice, cooked for me, and all of my friends, and watched my children, and my friend's children when we partied in Manhattan. Mrs McKay loved her community of Patterson Houses, and helped so many families, friends, and strangers. Mrs. McKay made me laugh all the time. I remember when she would get on the bus to travel to Washington D.C. for political NYS Democratic work. Mrs. McKay was an advocate for everyone.  I also remember her spending a few months investigating where millions of dollars went that was supposed to be spent on her community, and elevators. That money was missing over 15-20 years. She followed the money trail, and all of a sudden the money appeared. She ruffled some feathers, and was able to get new elevators, and cameras outside Patterson, and Mott Haven. May we all keep the memories, stories of mother, grandmother, great grandma. She was so proud of all her grandchildren & great-grands, Damian, and Dean, Kaylee, Tyriq, Nylajha, Asia,  Devin, Big Damian, Atiya, Little Kermit, Jumaane, Kareem all the others. She was proud of all her great grands who were college educated, speaking multiple languages, and playing piano. Mrs. McKay has taught us all how to take care of our family, and community. Let’s all remember to conduct ourselves to keep her proud. I love you Nejala Fanta❤️.

I wish you all much comfort from sweet memories of Nellie...that is what I carry with me.  Although we were not in regular contact, Nellie played a significant role in my childhood memories.  She supported my grandparents as part of their family through many stages of their lives and was beloved by my mother until she died.  Nellie traveled all the way to Philadelphia to be there for my mother's memorial service which meant so very much to us.  And we will never be able to replicate Nellie's wonderful cookies that were a much-anticipated part of the holidays!  Most of all, I am sure Nellie will live on through everything she taught us about life and community.  My son is currently a graduate student in social work who seeks to support young people in the black community by teaching them about the true legacy of their culture and their complete history and identity.  My uncle and I recently shared with him stories about Nellie's similar mission...things she accomplished, things she told us when we talked, things she stood for.  I am confident her spirit will live on through the many others whom she touched.  

My family and I grew up in Patterson Houses. My family and I knew Wadi. Wadi was known as 'the dancer' /pop locker back in the day and was always the first to start a dance off at the jams. lol. I later met Mama McKay as I became active on my community board 1. At first not knowing that she was Wadi's Mom but she knew my mother and family very well. She always had an encouraging word for me and always told me how she wanted to speak to our young people and educate them on their history and mentor those who needed a mother/grandmother figure in their lives. She was full of knowledge and wisdom and I am so grateful that she shared so much with me. She was a voice for our community always on the go and very loving and kind hearted. She will truly be missed.  On Behalf of the Woodall Family, Karen, Jennifer, Frankie, Mom Joyce; Our thoughts and Prayers are  with you.  Love Tracy Woodall

Receiving Recognition and Proclamations. Photos From my Mom’ Book : “From Flower Sack Slips to Lingerie.” Memoir by Nellie McKay.

Receiving Recognition and Proclamations. Photos From my Mom’ Book : “From Flower Sack Slips to Lingerie.” Memoir by Nellie McKay.

Here is a recent Article  on my Mom done by NYCHA(NYCITY HOUSING AUTHORITY)

https://nychajournal.nyc/nell…

You can Google  my Mother’s name and may find other stories or info about her. 

There are other Nellie McKays, but you will know my Mom😊

❤️Love you Ma. ❤️

MY MOM  ALWAYS ASKED ME TO SEND THIS POEM AS PART OF THE DIFFERENT GOING AWAY SERVICES OF FRIENDS AND FAMILIES.

A Poem: BANK ACCOUNT

A 92-year-old, well-poised and proud woman, who is fully

dressed each morning by Eight o’clock, with her hair

fashionably combed and perfect, even though she is legally blind;

moved to a nursing home today.

Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move

necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of

the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet curtains that had been hung on her window. I love it, “she stated with the enthusiasm of an Eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

“Mrs. Jones, you haven’t seen the room—just wait.” That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” Mrs. Jones replied. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged….it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I’ll focus on the new day, and all the happy memories I’ve stored away…just for this time in my life. Old age is like a “Bank Account.” You withdraw from what you’ve put in.”

“So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the ‘Bank Account of Memories!’ ”

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. 

Cousin Nellie and I spoke several times a month always greeting each other with a few words in French! Then we would have long discussions on God’s Grace and Mercies, politics (called her our family politician), shared recipes and preparation of various foods. She loved her “hot water cornbread and collard greens” even at midnight!😅 During the earlier years when I visited NYC, Cousin Nellie would plan shopping trips to Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s for lunch then later have an early dinner and we would go to the Theaters. She was always thoughtful and respectful but not shy to express her opinions.  I will truly miss our interactions but will always cherish the fond memories. Marie 

Jo and Wadi,

We met, long, long ago. 

I knew your Mother since I was a young teenager. She took really good care of my sister, Vivian (who died about three years ago, two weeks before my other sister, Gaby, died) and me, for years. 

Both of my parents wanted no one but Nellie to care for them during their last days.  

Nellie was an extraordinary woman. I miss her (I'm sure you do too), but I am happy that she's in an even better place  

Ralph Engel