Bonnie 'Kay' McDade, 86, of Arcola, died at 1:35 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025 at home surrounded by her family.

Kay was born on September 24th, 1938 in Paxton, Illinois, the daughter of Robert John and Helen Ruth (Carrington) Gallagher.

Kay married Richard 'Dick' McDade on August 22nd, 1959, at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Urbana. They recently celebrated their 65th anniversary with family and friends.

She had an endless supply of love for her children and they for her; above all else, she was fiercely protective of them. Among the many things she emphasized to her children – and later, grandchildren – was a love of travel, learning, and compassion for those less fortunate.

She began school in Urbana, graduating from Urbana High School in 1956.  After high school, Kay attended the University of Illinois. She returned to school many years later graduating from Indiana University in 1983. She then earned her Masters degree from Boston University.

Their decision to join the Air Force in 1972 shaped the next twenty-five years of their lives,and took them around the world fueling their passion of travel. This adventure would lead them to living in several different countries and states.

In addition to her role as a devoted mother, she dedicated a significant part of her life to helping others through her work with Catholic Charities and as a counselor at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital. At Catholic Charities, she played a vital role in adoptions, uniting children with loving adoptive families. Her deep empathy and education contributed to her success as a counselor at SBL, where she served for 15 years, making a lasting impact on the lives of those she helped.

She spent countless hours and miles traveling across the country to support her grandchildren in a variety of activities, a commitment that was evident in her large collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts from numerous schools and universities.

Kay was a woman of deep faith and a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and on church councils as well as delivered Meals on Wheels.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen, sister Sally (Wilson), and son Paul. She is survived by four children, Pamela Manselle (Tim) of Tuscola, Traci Yingling (Harold) of Swansboro, NC, Amy Goudschaal (Mark) of Crystal Lake, and Travis McDade of Champaign, daughter-in-law Ginny McDade of Champaign, twelve grandchildren, Zachary McDade (Lauren), Lindsey Yingling, Patrick Manselle, Kaitlyn Yingling, Sam McDade, David Manselle, Rachel Manselle, Ryan Goudschaal, Ethan Goudschaal, Flannery McDade, Myrtle McDade and Fitzgerald McDade, and one great-grandchild, Paul McDade, her sister Ann Gallagher of Fort Bragg, CA and brother-in-law David Wilson of Seattle, WA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Arcola with Fr Michael Trummer as officiant.  Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at St. John's Catholic Church.  Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust Street, Arcola, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St Mary's House, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon, IL 61938 or the Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Dr, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hilligossshraderfh.com.