Mary Jane McKinsey
Chattanooga native Mary Jane McKinsey passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, in Asheville, North Carolina.
Mary Jane was born in Chattanooga on March 8, 1927, to Ralph Parks and Lucy Blansit Garmany. Raised in North Chattanooga, she attended Normal Park School, Northside Junior High, and City High, where she was accompanist for the orchestra and glee club.
After attending the University of Chattanooga, she transferred to Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where she graduated in 1948. Upon returning to Chattanooga, she began teaching piano at Cadek Conservatory – a career she lovingly continued until her retirement in 1996.
In 1955, Mary Jane married Patrick Dungan McKinsey, a much-loved teacher at McCallie School. Mary Jane and Pat had a wonderful life together with their family, friends, hobbies, and travels.
From age eight and well into her 90s, playing the piano was central to Mary Jane’s life. Her music filled many places - churches, concert halls, homes, and parties. As a youngster, she played at Northside Presbyterian Church; and, in later years, played at the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church and the Little Brown Church in Walden.
In addition to her music, Mary Jane became a competitive local athlete in her mid-20s. She was Chattanooga women’s singles tennis champion and the women’s doubles champion in 1951 and 1953. In badminton, she was the women’s doubles champion in 1950 and 1952.
Over the years, Mary Jane also became a talented gardener. When she moved to Signal Mountain, she created a garden commonly called the “Triangle Flower Garden” on Ivory Avenue. She beautifully maintained it for over 25 years. The garden still exists for the enjoyment of all who pass by.
For relaxation, Mary Jane enjoyed summer days at their cabin on Wolftever Creek and vacation home in Sanibel, FL. Their family and many friends always enjoyed sharing and having fun at these relaxing getaways.
She also loved to travel and meet new people in new places. When the children were young, they took many camping trips across the United States and Canada. After retirement, Mary Jane and Pat traveled to Europe numerous times. They swapped houses in many European countries - a unique way of traveling - as they lived in neighborhoods where they met the people of the country.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Dungan McKinsey; brother, Knox Garmany; daughter Katherine Logan McKinsey; son-in-law, Rock Thomas; and grandson, Morgan Thomas.
She is survived by her son, Patrick Dungan McKinsey Jr. (Beth), granddaughters, Anna, Libba, and Eva; and grandsons David McKinsey and Logan Thomas (Rachel).
Mary Jane’s family is grateful to all the caregivers for the loving attention they provided during her last years.
A memorial service will be held at the Little Brown Church on Signal Mountain at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, with a reception to follow at the McCoy Farm pavilion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cadek Conservatory of Music at Girls Preparatory School, 205 Island Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37405, Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd, Signal Mountain, TN 37377, or the charity of your choice.