Tribute

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Florence Grace Alice McKay (nee Simpson).  She passed away at McKinney Place in Oliver British Columbia with her daughter by her side.  She was pre deceased by her husband of 36 years, Russell McKay; parents Ruth and Thomas Simpson; Brothers Nathan Addison, and Jonathan (Jack) Simpson; Sisters Marion York, and Ruth Simpson; Son-in-Law; Leo Myllyniemi;  Foster Son;  Nestor Atamanchuk; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. As well as her companion pets (dogs & cats) that held a soft spot in her heart.

She is survived by her daughter,  Bernice McKay Myllyniemi of Oliver BC;  her son William (Bill) McKay (Loretta) of Thunder Bay Ontario; Granddaughters Caroline Whyte (Joe) of Oliver BC and Ashley McKay (Issa) of Toronto Ontario; Foster family Ronnie Atamanchuk of Brandon; Grandchildren Tanis (Bruce) Lowry, great-grandsons Gregory, Sean and Ian Lowry of Sherwood Park Alberta,  Zoe Atamanchuk, of Red Deer Alberta, Trevor Atamanchuk of Brandon;  Brother-in-law Donald (Eileen) McKay of Airdrie Alberta; Sisters-in-law  Margaret McKay  of Brandon and Pat McKay, Helen Simpson of Winnipeg Manitoba; Cousin Violet Gallant of Regina Saskatchewan, Cousins Joyce (George) Starkie, Burnley England, Rita (Robert) Laurie, Burnley England, Rene Taylor (Scotland), lifelong friend Evelyn Ratz, as well as several nieces and nephews

She was born in Tilson, Manitoba and moved to Brandon, Manitoba at a young age.  After WWII, she met and married Russell McKay and they raised two children. She was very proud to be a Lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Branch #10 of Brandon Manitoba.  After her husband’s passing she moved to British Columbia in 1987, first to Kelowna and then to Oliver in 2001, to live with her daughter.  She was a consummate care giver and a nurturing mother.  She loved to bake and share the goodies with friends and neighbours. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting and gave many of her creations as donations to charities as well as gifts for friends and family.  She enjoyed watching her TV shows and was an avid sports fan, especially baseball.

She enjoyed camping and fishing holidays.  In later years she travelled to visit family and friends across Canada and United Kingdom.  Cruising was her favourite type of holiday, and she enjoyed trips to Alaska, California, Mexico and Florida.  She enjoyed Aqua fit classes and the great Okanagan Sunshine.

Her passing leaves a very big void in our lives but we will always carry her memory in our hearts and remember her wonderful smile.

Special thanks to all the caring staff at McKinney Place for being there when we needed them the most; to Dr Francis and Dr. Thomas;  to John & Daryn at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service for taking care of the many details, your kindness is much appreciated.

In lieu of flowers donations in her name to: Friends of the Library – Oliver Public Library, SPCA and/or Alzheimer Society would be much appreciated.

Memorial service will be held June 9, 2016 at 6:30pm at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Home, 5885 Hemlock Street, Oliver BC.     Interment will be with her husband in the Veteran’s Plot of the Brandon Cemetery in Brandon Manitoba on June 16, 2016 at 11am.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com