Shirley Jean McKay

Shirley Jean Vatter McKay, 97 of Edinboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Edinboro Manor. She was born in Edinboro on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1927, the daughter of the late Albert and Iva Jervis Vatter.

Shirley lived most of her life in a small home on the outlet of Edinboro Lake near the dam. She was best known as “The Duck Lady”, garnering national television coverage with the six wooden geese she outfitted on her front porch since 1985. With over forty different outfits, she covered holidays, sports, the Olympics, a circus, a wedding, the Indy 500, Hot Air Balloons, the Ken-Ducky Derby, the anniversary of Columbus Discovering America, and the O.J. Simpson Trial. 

Shirley worked much of her life in retail sales, including Vi Engle Apparel, Malec’s Clothing and Gilbert’s Craft Store. She also worked in the Dean of Instructions office at Edinboro State College and was at one time the executive secretary for the Edinboro Chamber of Commerce. Her favorite job, however, was the many summers she worked in the admission’s office at Commodore Downs Race Track. 

She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Edinboro, a past member of the Edinboro Historical Society, and a volunteer at the Edinboro Food Pantry for over 25 years. 

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Phyllis Vatter, in 2018. 

A graveside service for Shirley and her sister, Phyllis Vatter, will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1 PM at Spring Cemetery, 24295 State Hwy. 18, Springboro, PA for anyone wishing to attend.

Memorials may be made to the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department, 125 Meadville St., Edinboro, PA  16412.  To send condolences, please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.