Kathleen May McNally

Kathleen May McNally of Bel Air, MD, age 95, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2019. She was born in Essex, England on January 27, 1924 to the late Harold George Isaac and Marjorie Gertrude (Sheppard) Isaac.

Kathleen was a part of the Women’s Land Army in England during WWII, working on farms, and went on to work with the Royal Engineers, testing watches before they were sent to soldiers in the field. She met her future husband, William, a member of the American Air Force, during his time in England. Kathleen and William were married in January of 1946. After the German occupation ended, William was sent home to the United States. Kathleen soon followed him by ship, along with many other war brides, arriving in Brooklyn, NY. They moved to Rhode Island for a time before Kathleen returned home to England to have their daughter, Heather, and was joined by William to finish his education. In 1952 they “crossed the pond”, settling in Teaneck, NJ where Kathleen lived for over 60 years. Kathleen was employed by Rutgers University for many years.

Kathleen was a long time member of the First Congregational Church of River Edge, NJ, where she took part in the shawl ministry, knitting shawls for babies to receive at their Christening. Kathleen loved to read historical books, and pursued this passion for history as a member of the American Air Forces Historical Association. AAFHA is a historical group that focuses on WWII, that strives “To Remember, Respect and Honor”, through education, those affected by the war. As a member of the group, Kathleen participated in various air shows, including the Reading, P.A. WWII Weekend.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Heather D. Kubesh, her husband, Jan; three grandchildren: Elizabeth Randall, her husband, Dustin, Brian Kubesh, his wife, Keri, and Todd Kubesh, his wife, Leslie; 9 great-grandchildren; three nephews: Christopher Williams, his wife, Kathy, of England, David Williams, his wife, Mona, and Ray McNally, his wife, Ginny; two nieces: Allison McNally and Brenda McNally.

In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William J. McNally, Jr., and sister, Gwyneth Williams.

Services for Kathleen will be held at a later date.