Emily Mcgay

Emily McGay of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away the evening of February 18, 2021 following a long illness.

Emily is mourned by all who were privileged to know her. She is adored and missed by her soul mate, husband and partner of thirty years, Roger Waterman, her twin sister, Dorothea, “Dotti” McGay of Virginia and her children, Carrie and Jason Ferguson of Oklahoma City, OK, Maralie Waterman of Albuquerque, Mike and Marti Osborn of Sahuarita, AZ and Rick and Kim Osborn of Boerne, TX. She was much loved sister and aunt to Kent and Linda Waterman of Colorado Springs, CO and Ted and Leeann Waterman of Albuquerque and their families. She was beloved “Mimi” to Kasey and Ashley, Brande, Donald, Gabrielle and Emilia, Mikey and Mitch and Mele and Giuliana. She was devoted doggy-mama to Murphy. Emily was loved, appreciated and cherished by her many friends, colleagues and extended family.

Emily and twin sister, Dotti were born on May 20, 1947 in Peekskill, New York to Culbert McGay and Electra Moore McGay. The family moved to Virginia and Emily attended Mary Baldwin College, graduating in 1969 with a degree in French. In her early life, Emily travelled extensively with her family, living all over the world.

In 1977, her daughter, Carrie was born, providing her with the title she loved most, “Mama,” and eventually, “Mimi.” In addition to Roger, her family and friends, Emily loved the sun, which made Los Alamos, her home since 1986, her “happy place.” She was a ferocious Scrabble and Mahjong player, an avid reader and communicator. Her golf game, though valiantly played, had an excellent sense of humor.

There was seldom a day in Emily’s life where she wasn’t giving. She was generous with her compassion and support, enriching the lives of her family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Her expertise in non-profit development and fundraising was returned to the community through her many volunteer and professional accomplishments. She spent her professional life as CEO of the Los Alamos Family YMCA and later as a national YMCA executive and a business and non-profit consultant.

The travel bug continued to bite Emily throughout her life. By last December, she and Roger had visited most of the United States and over 100 countries by plane, boat, fifth-wheel or in many cases, motorcycle. They were in an earthquake in Turkey, volcano eruptions in the South Pacific, caught REALLY big fish in Alaska and covered Columbia on motorcycle back when it was still an iffy tourist destination.

Heaven has gained an angel. We have lost our partner, mama-bear, Mimi, sister, Ya-Ya sister, best friend and most fervent advocate and supporter. The immediate family will gather for a memorial service on Monday, February 22. A later event at the United Church of Los Alamos Columbarium is planned for friends and loved ones in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to an organization that remained dear to her, the Los Alamos Family YMCA: https://laymca.org/ 

Link to Live Feed Memorial Service at 1:30pm(MST) on Monday, February 22: http://unitedchurchla.org/ 

Emily's family has entrusted their care to Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations, of Los Alamos.