Katherine M. “Kay” (McGuire) George passed away August 28th, 2026.
Born in Ossining, New York, on November 08, 1930, Kay was the daughter of the late Edward L. and Katherine (Brady) McGuire. She grew up in Ossining, New York, where she attended Ossining High School and later worked as a switchboard operator for American Telephone and Telegraph. In 1951, she married Herbert “Herb” V. George, their marriage would span 54 years. Together they welcomed four children before moving their family to Monkton, Vermont in 1971. There, Kay and Herb made their home on Monkton Road and raised their family, remaining together until Herb’s passing in 2005.
Kay truly came into her own in her later years. She embraced an active social life and became involved in many organizations, including the Vermont Watercolor Society and the Vermont Pastel Society. She always looked forward to spending time with the “red hat ladies” of the Red Hat Society. She spent many afternoons at the Charlotte Senior Center, where she even hosted her own art openings featuring her pastel work.
Her faith remained an important part of her life throughout the years. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes, where she attended weekly Mass and was part of a church community that meant a great deal to her.
When she wasn’t tending to her full social calendar, Kay could often be found outdoors among her beloved songbirds or working in the many gardens scattered around her property. She took particular joy in the flowers she grew, drying them and turning them into beautiful arrangements, another outlet for the creativity that became such a large part of her life.
Kay was predeceased by her husband, Herbert V. George; her brothers, John McGuire and Edward McGuire; and her sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Rich.
She is survived by her sons, Herbert George Jr. of Kellogg, Idaho, and Michael George (Jill) of Roxbury, Vermont; her daughters, Eileen George of Rochester, New York, and Karen Ramsden (Robert) of Charlotte, Vermont; her grandchildren, Herbert III (Tamie), Heather (Todd), Audrey (Jay), and Kerry (Bailey); and her great-grandchild, Sebastian. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas McGuire (Lynda), and many nieces and nephews.
Kay will be remembered for her creativity, steadfast independence, love of family, and the full and active life she continued to build for herself throughout her later years. Her gardens, artwork, friendships, and the many people whose lives she touched are a lasting reflection of a life well lived.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff, memory care unit, and hospice team at The Residence at Shelburne Bay for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Kay throughout her time there.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11th at St. Peter Cemetery in Vergennes.
