Miriam (McKernan) Guay

Miriam Guay, 82, beloved wife and mother, was called to her eternal resting place on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. She entered this world on Wednesday, January 13, 1937 in Dover, NH, born to Raymond P. and Catherine M. McKernan. She is survived by her loving spouse, Richard Guay; daughter, Monique Archuleta; son Paul Guay, son, John Guay; daughter, Catherine M. Guay, daughter, Rebecca M. Guay; and son, Richard F. Guay II. She was blessed with wonderful daughters-in-law, Arwen and Rae Guay; and sons-in-law, Kevin White and Agustin Archuleta. She was a wonderful granny to 15 lucky grandkids, and 2 sweet great-grandkids!

Miriam was an incredibly intelligent and well-read lady. She excelled at Nursing, and possessed remarkable composure and grace. She was a lifelong Catholic, and was generous to many charities, especially the Jesuits. She was always a model of class and decorum, unless Jim Palmer was advertising BVDs on TV. (Sorry, Dad, it had to be said.) She had a mirthful, Irish twinkle in her light green eyes, and a rapier quick Celtic Wit. We all loved to make her laugh, especially Dad, because it was so contagious, expressive and cheerful!

In her youth, Miriam was an excellent swimmer. She and her siblings enjoyed many summers at the Jersey Shore. Her sister Peg once described her prowess in the pool as akin to that of a porpoise! Jane quickly corrected it to a "dolphin," because hey, they were McKernan sisters. She also loved playing tennis with Zita and Jimmy when they were younger. Her love of sports spilled over to her being an avid fan of the Tennis Greats, (but not McEnroe....he was in her words, "a poor sport, and incredibly void of manners"). She could watch Tennis and the NBA of the 70's and 80s for hours on end! And of course, the Red Sox.

It must be said that she clearly inherited the Collins/McKernan "Sweet Tooth!" And she could make a mean Strawberry Shortcake with fresh picked strawberries in Bethany Beach. We kids loved Strawberry picking with Momma! And on many occasions, when we were sitting around watching "Mash", or "Hill Street Blues" or "Fawlty Towers," Miri would declare she was in the mood for "something goooey." And someone, usually Dad, would grant her wish. He doted on her, in every way. He knew she deserved it, and he was right.

There wasn't a baby ever that wasn't fawned over and cuddled by Miriam. She was what one might call, a Baby Freak. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed many hugs and cuddles, songs and snuggles. We all know "Goodnight Moon" by heart because of her. And who didn't love a good, warm and loving, "Minuush, minuush, Minush, Minush, Minush?!"

Miriam was a seasoned traveler. Her adventures took her all across the Globe. She and Dick enjoyed voyages on the QE II, a Mediterranean Cruise, A Delta Queen Paddleboat, and various other ships. Mom and Dad took many wonderful adventures together throughout the years. She spoke fondly of her road trips with Dad up through New England in the Fall. She got this love of Fall Foliage and Covered Bridges from her Pop. Mystic, Sturbridge, Stowe, Saratoga Springs, Boston, Woodstock, Rutland, and the like. Too many travels to list--lucky them. But I know she loved her trips to Ireland the most. She felt a great connection to her Irish Heritage on the Emerald Isle. (Or maybe just a nice break from her six children!)

Although Miriam only lived in NM for a year or so in the 80s, she became besotted with The Land of Enchantment. She loved the people, the sky, the food, the mountains and the beautiful sunsets. NM left a big impression in her heart, and she was always over the moon when she could visit her children and grandchildren in Albuquerque! The pueblos fascinated her, as did the unique flora and fauna. And the lack of humidity thrilled her, because that stuff's for "Mad dogs and Englishmen!" It is very fitting that she will be laid to rest in this beautiful part of the Southwest.

Miriam was a very resilient and resourceful wife and mother. She raised six kids, and in the early years Dick was often far away on travel. While we were young, she made us feel safe and loved. When we were older, she always reminded us of how hard our father worked to give us the life we had. She was never wasteful, ever. Every cabinet had something saved and tucked away, much to Dad's dismay on occasion! And the envelopes! She loved her envelopes of money! She kept them securely in that cheese box. She was awesome at budgeting!!!

We were beyond blessed to have had her as a wife, a mother and a grandmother, a sister and an aunt. Our love of her is eternal, as is her place in Heaven. We are forever grateful for Miriam, and she will always be in our hearts and on our minds. A Rosary will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 at, FRENCH-University at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday September 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 619 Copper, burial immediately following at Sunset Memorial Park