Katherine Alice McBride

KATHERINE (PFISTER) ALICE McBRIDE was born March 28, 1931, in South Buffalo, NY. She passed peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2025, at home surrounded by family. She is survived by sister-in-law Patricia Herzig, and was predeceased by her husband, Christopher McBride of 52 years and her and her sister, Jean Gobbetti.

Kay met Chris in July 1955 and married in November. The couple shared a double with her sister, Jean and husband, John Gobbetti until they moved into their house on Ashley Drive in Lancaster, NY. Kay loved being an expectant mother, giving birth to eight children: Majorie (Michael) Smith, Christopher, Barbara (Daniel) Rogers, Matthew, Mary (James) Flewelling, Patricia (Scott) Blahnick, Kathryn (Rocklan) Bragg, and JoAnne (Todd) Maker. Sadly, the two boys succumbed to early deaths.

Kay and Chris were heavily involved in their parish church, St. Mary’s on the Hill. Kay had a lifelong devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and praying the Rosary. In 1969, they contacted Catholic Charities in the hope of adopting a child in need of a home. Thomas, age 3, joined the family. Their seven children blessed them with 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Chris retired from NY Telephone in 1989, and they bought a house on Douglas Lake in Dandridge, TN. Special to the family was camping and enjoying singing at the campfire. Chris customized a pop-up camper and the two traveled extensively across the country.

Kay was an avid reader of American history, politics, civil rights, and the space program. She was a true romantic, loving poetry and music, such as Neil Young and The Three Tenors. She especially loved to dance with Chris, holding the spotlight at weddings as he whirled her across the floor. In her last days, surrounded by family, Gramma Kay could still sing her beloved songs.

Receiving of friends will be February 6, 2026, from 10:00am until 11:00am at Holy Trinity Church, 475 TN-92, Jefferson City, TN 37760 and Mass follows at 11:30am. A luncheon follows for entire family and friends. Graveside service will be Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00pm at Resthaven Cemetery, Dandridge, TN 37725. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice.