‘Mayor of Madison Park’ to receive memorial send off on June 15

The family of Lola McKee is hosting a memorial for the longtime unofficial Mayor of Madison Park at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

McKee and her husband, Bud, bought Madison Park Hardware in 1956, and McKee ran it until 2010. She also spent many years on the Madison Park Community Council, followed by many more years as an unofficial sounding board.

An anonymous donor honored McKee for her many contributions to the neighborhood by funding the installation of a bench in her name along Madison Park North Beach in 2012. The plaque reads: “To honor the generous leadership and good purpose of Lola McKee.”

McKee remained in the neighborhood until her death in February at 93.

The June 15 memorial will take place in Madison Park, where there will be several speakers, bagpipes, light food and refreshments. Anyone with photos or stories to share is encouraged to attend.