1919
Madeleine
2019
Madeleine Irene Mckay
December 23, 1919 — October 7, 2019
Madeleine Irene McKay (nee Cavers), peacefully passed into eternity on October 7
th
, 2019, surrounded by her family who will miss her â'like crazy". She was born in Vancouver at home on Dec 23
rd
, 1919.
Madeleine grew up in Vancouver, the second of four, attended Kitsilano High School (rah rah rah), and moved to St. Thomas, ON, where she worked for Weatherhead during âthe war'. Attending a welcome home for an RCAF bombardier who'd survived his âLanc's' crash, Madeleine was a bit taken by Harold "Whitey" McKay, so much so that she slipped her name and phone number in each of his overcoat pockets. He called the next day and their adventure began. Marrying in St. Thomas, moving back to Vancouver, then Victoria, Madeleine and Whitey had three children who survive them both. Scott McKay, Brock McKay and Jill Mandell were beside her when she passed.
When all three children were in school, Madeleine took part-time work to be home with them after school. She was a skilled, accomplished cook and baker, a believer in nutritious, healthy food (no pop or potato chips in the house) and had an early interest in natural remedies.
Madeleine was known for her wit, her swift turn of phrase, the laughter she effortlessly elicited in those around her, her ability to take genuine interest and to engage others at a meaningful level, eschewing stuffiness or pretense. Madeleine was stylish and elegant throughout her long life, even to her last day. She had an eye for art, loved plants, loved her travels, read avidly, stayed current with national and world politics, and her standards of decency and uprightness never waned. Readily self-effacing, she was artistic--tole painting, Chinese calligraphy--and was an excellent, tireless gardener. Her quiet faith was known to few. Madeleine is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her passing has left a vacancy in each one's heart.
Madeleine grew up in Vancouver, the second of four, attended Kitsilano High School (rah rah rah), and moved to St. Thomas, ON, where she worked for Weatherhead during âthe war'. Attending a welcome home for an RCAF bombardier who'd survived his âLanc's' crash, Madeleine was a bit taken by Harold "Whitey" McKay, so much so that she slipped her name and phone number in each of his overcoat pockets. He called the next day and their adventure began. Marrying in St. Thomas, moving back to Vancouver, then Victoria, Madeleine and Whitey had three children who survive them both. Scott McKay, Brock McKay and Jill Mandell were beside her when she passed.
When all three children were in school, Madeleine took part-time work to be home with them after school. She was a skilled, accomplished cook and baker, a believer in nutritious, healthy food (no pop or potato chips in the house) and had an early interest in natural remedies.
Madeleine was known for her wit, her swift turn of phrase, the laughter she effortlessly elicited in those around her, her ability to take genuine interest and to engage others at a meaningful level, eschewing stuffiness or pretense. Madeleine was stylish and elegant throughout her long life, even to her last day. She had an eye for art, loved plants, loved her travels, read avidly, stayed current with national and world politics, and her standards of decency and uprightness never waned. Readily self-effacing, she was artistic--tole painting, Chinese calligraphy--and was an excellent, tireless gardener. Her quiet faith was known to few. Madeleine is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her passing has left a vacancy in each one's heart.
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