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Following the loss of here first husband of over 35 years during the pandemic, Janet Pleyo married Kevin McClary, who took RCIA classes and converted to Catholicism, in July. (Adriana Montes/CR Staff)

Second chance at love: Conversion brings spiritual completion for Pasadena couple


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, Marriage & Family Life, News

PASADENA – Janet McClary, a parishioner of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, was 64 when she lost her husband Joseph Pleyo to health complications during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Kevin and Janet McClary, parishioners of St. Jane Frances, share time together in their Pasadena home. (Adriana Montes/CR Staff)

As she struggled with the pain of her partner’s death, she found purpose in moving forward with her life. “I felt cheated out of life after he died. But I knew there was something more that God had for me.”

A devout Catholic, McClary was called to move to Pasadena to work with the Sisters of the Holy Union before meeting her husband at a Catholic spiritual retreat for young adults.

Pleyo’s health began to deteriorate a few years into their marriage. While they had been managing well, in March 2020, his health took a drastic turn with severe respiratory issues. Joseph collapsed one day, and his condition proved too severe, leading to an irrecoverable outcome.

Being married to Pleyo for more than 38 years, however, she found jumping back into the dating pool a daunting experience.

Despite the lingering sorrow of being unable to provide her late husband with a “proper burial,” McClary discovered solace in her routine afternoon walks in Pasadena. It was during those walks that she crossed paths with Kevin McClary, a divorced marine mechanic originally from Tulsa, Okla., who relocated to Pasadena to care for an ailing family member.

Initially exchanging greetings during their chance encounters, their connection deepened when they began walking home together.

As their relationship flourished, Kevin became a steadfast supporter of Janet, especially during challenging moments such as her daughter’s stroke. Three months into their relationship, Kevin proposed.

Having been single for an extended period, he said, “I felt complete. I was waiting for someone to change my life.”

As Janet’s feelings for Kevin grew, though, she had a few concerns. Kevin was originally a Baptist and didn’t practice his faith actively.

“When I got engaged to Janet, I started accompanying her to Mass regularly and enjoyed it, particularly the organ music,” Kevin told the Catholic Review. 

He received baptism, first holy Communion, and confirmation at Easter of 2023.

Janet said Kevin’s conversion to Catholicism brought a sense of spiritual completion to their relationship.

“Janet is a blessing and serves a purpose in my life that not only brought me love and a family I had always longed for but also brought me closer to God,” Kevin said.

They exchanged wedding vows July 8, 2023, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal.

Devoted to their faith, Janet and Kevin maintain a regular prayer routine and attend church consistently.

“Our union and Kevin’s conversion to Catholicism is a divine sign from the Holy Spirit,” one which Janet described as a symbol of faith and a testimony of God’s love.

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