She was born January 19, 1944, in Rockford, IL, to Robert and Helen (Lonergan) Page. She graduated from Bishop Muldoon High School, Rockford, IL, in 1962 and attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, for two years. She then received her nursing degree from Rockford Memorial School of Nursing in 1968. During this time, she went on a blind date with a man who was home on leave from the army. She married this man, Robert McKinley, in 1968, and together they had five children. Her family moved from Rockford to Sterling, IL, in 1979, where she focused on raising her family and being an active volunteer and member of Sacred Heart church. She worked briefly as a nurse and then worked full-time for over 20 years as the secretary at Newman High School. After retiring from this position, she volunteered at Community General Hospital and remained active, reading books, doing puzzles, and visiting with friends and family.
She is survived by her three sons, Kevin of Schaumburg, James (Mindi) of Byron, and David (Niji) of Pearland, Texas, one daughter, Erin (Barry) Whalen of Chicago, grandchildren Edward (Megan), Cameron, Kate and Cole McKinley, Abbie, and Izzie McKinley.
She was predeceased by her husband and infant son, Matthew.
A visitation will be on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the McDonald Funeral Home in 1002 12th Avenue. Rock Falls. The burial service will be private at Calvary Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
