MARGARET KATHLEEN ECKERSLEY

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MARGARET KATHLEEN ECKERSLEY (Kay to all) After a long but courageous battle, Kay passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2007 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, at the age of 85 years. Kay was born on December 9, 1921 in Winnipeg where she spent her youth, and she remained there until the outbreak of the Second World War. Following the tradition set by her father in the First World War, she joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served on both coasts until war's end. During this tumultuous time, she met and fell in love with Derek, a Royal Air Force officer and Commonwealth flight instructor, and they maintained a long distance relationship until January 29, 1947 when they reunited and were married in Winnipeg. In 1951, the family moved to Waterloo, Ontario, which remained their home until mid 2001 when they moved back to Manitoba to be close to their son and his family. While Kay remained a homemaker throughout her life, she was very active for many years in the Women's Auxiliary at the Church of the Holy Saviour in Waterloo, and as member and director of the Kitchener Waterloo Hospital Auxiliary. Following Derek's retirement in 1987, Kay and Derek travelled extensivelythe highlight being a 4 month trip around the world. Both loved Jamaica, and after dozens of trips there, they looked forward to building a winter retirement home near Port Antonio, until poor health intervened. Throughout the years, her focus was on her small but active and loving family, and she watched with pride, the development and successes of her husband, her son, her daughter-in-law and her two granddaughters. Predeceased by her father Dr. Frank Benner in 1963 and her mother Margaret Benner (née Davidson) in 1973, Kay leaves to celebrate her life, her loving husband of 60 years Derek, son Peter and daughter-in-law Jan, and the apples of her eye - granddaughters Lindsay and Jennifer. A private family service and interment took place on Tuesday, March 13, 2007. Honorary pallbearers were all her friends, past and present. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Davis, to the entire BRHC staff on 4th floor medical, and to Camelot Gardens Personal Care for their dedication and support throughout this very difficult time. And a very special thanks to friends Irene Piotrowski and Donna Whittingham for their years of loving care and companionship. If friends so desire, a donation in Kay's memory can be made to the BRHC Foundation, 150 McTavish Ave East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, Brandon, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2007