Gertrude Tierney McKay, 89 of Tolland, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the home of her daughter in Elsmere, DE. Gertrude was born in Newark, the daughter of the late Helen (O'Rourke) and William A Tierney. She graduated from Newark High School, the University of Delaware and earned her Masters Degree at Pace University in New York. Gertrude was a software designer and developed programs for local towns in NY. She was recognized in Who's Who in computers for being in the group, under Admiral Grace Hopper, that developed COBOL, one of the first computer languages. In addition to her parents, Gertrude was predeceased by her husband, William McKay in 2012; her daughter, Marylisa McKay-Mangan and her siblings: William, Frank, Ceclia, John, Mary, Helen, Theresa, and Agnes. Gertrude is survived by her daughters, Helen McKay of Putnam Valley, NY and Melissa McKay and her husband, Chris of Waterbury Center, VT; her son, William A. McKay of Toland, MA; her grandchildren, Thomas McGuire, Jr., Willow Mangan, Leif Mangan, Cierra McKay and Jackson McKay; her sister, Marguerite Tierney-Downey of Atlantic City, NJ; her brother Joseph Tierney of Long Grove, IL and numerous nieces and nephews. Gertrude, or Gert as she preferred, was active in all areas of her life. In Putnam Valley, NY, she was active in the League of Woman Voters, the PTA and the Zoning Board. She taught swimming to many of the youths in PV. She was an outdoor enthusiast; canoeing, hiking, skiing, gardening, camping and sailing till late in her life. She played tennis well into her 80's. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday October 11, 2021 at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 at 11:30 AM, where friends may call after 10:30 AM. Burial will be held at a small family gathering in Tolland, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org. Online condolences may be sent to Mealeyfuneralhomes.com