Fay Hendrickson Mackey

Fay Hendrickson Mackey July 23, 1942 – April 10, 2026 Fay Mackey died peacefully at her home on April 10th, three months short of her 84th birthday, and much too soon for those who love her. Fay was born in Portsmouth, NH on July 23rd, 1942, to the late Melvin and Doris (Lake) Hendrickson. The family relocated to McLean VA when she was young where she lived until graduating from McLean High School in 1960. Fay attended Grove City College (Grove City, PA) and graduated with a degree in English. After having children, she later attended New York University for her Graduate degree and spent her career in roles that supported childhood development and advocacy, and later in development/fundraising for worthy causes such as: The American Cancer Society, The March of Dimes, Matheny School and Hospital, and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital. Smart and persistent, she genuinely enjoyed meeting with prospective donors and persuading them to give generously to support these meaningful causes. Fay grew up with old-fashioned values: loyalty, honesty, and hard work that colored how she lived her life. She never cursed, she didn’t gossip, and lived a life underwritten by kindness and empathy. Fay had many hobbies that she enjoyed and everyone in her close circle were the beneficiaries of her many talents. Fay was an exceptional cook and baker and was a stubborn proponent of having all four food groups represented at every meal (even when cooking for only herself). Fay loved to sew and made clothes, slipcovers, runners, curtains and drapes – both simple and elaborate for her home and the homes of friends and family. She became a gifted quilter and made a beautiful wedding knot quilt and then created individual quilts as gifts for each of her grandchildren when they were born. She loved music and was always singing. For a while she was a member of the NJ Sweet Adeline’s ( a barbershop harmony musical group). Every home that she ever lived in had beautiful gardens and a dedicated space in her yard for bird feeders and bird baths. Year after year, she looked forward to the time when different kinds of birds would come back to her yard- she especially loved hummingbirds. She also gave up the fight and learned to have a loving tolerance for the squirrels that believed she set up this buffet specifically for them. Fay was everyone’s cheerleader. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate both small and large accomplishments. She was always the best listener, freely provided sage advice and wisdom, allowed you to fail with grace- and then was the first who cheered for you when you succeeded. Fay is survived by many who love her- Her children: Lisa Mackey of Orefield, PA and David Mackey and daughter-in-law Alison Mackey of Verona NJ; six grandchildren: Kyle, Julia, Evan, Ben, Drew, Ella; her brother Ralph Hendrickson and sister-in-law Julie Hendrickson of Heathsville, VA; her niece Kelly Hendrickson of FL; as well as many other dear friends, especially her closest friends, Judith Podell, Anne Malnati and Nancy Hoffmann. Services will be held at on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11 A.M. at The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. in the Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to causes that Fay supported for many years: PBS Broadcasting (donate.wvia.org) and Planned Parenthood (weareplannedparenthood.org or 800-430-4907).