IRENE MARGARET MCKAY

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IRENE MARGARET MCKAY Pisinew Kamosakinak Mitahao (Thunder That Gathers Hearts) Our hearts are filled with sorrow to announce the sudden passing of our wife, mother, kookom, sister, daangwe, auntie, friend, and cousin, Irene McKay on September 3, 2011. In the early morning hours, with her family by her side, Irene went home to Creator. Originally from the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Irene, along with her beloved husband George, built a loving home and raised a strong, close knit family with six children in Thompson, Manitoba where they spent 38 years. Irene McKay is recognized as a leader from the north. One who promoted culture, language, and education, and most notably was recognized as a humanitarian who devoted her life to helping children and youth. She was dearly loved by all of the children in her life as kookom and granty. She leaves to mourn her husband George McKay; children: Thomas, George Gregory (Lana), Kathleen (Gordon) BlueSky, Georgina, Jeffrey Stoney, and Bobbi; grandchildren Morgan Moore, Aroha BlueSky, George Carter IV, Kasey, Brennon and Shaney Simpson; sister Fanny Spence; brothers, David (Delsey) Linklater, and Murdo (Justina) Linklater; angel Marilyn (Jack) Spence, and nichakochich Lydia Linklater, as well as many in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and extended family members. Funeral services were held in Thompson, MB on September 8 and Nisichawaysihk Cree Nation on September 10, 2011. Donations can be made in her memory to the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation at 633 Wellington Crescent in Winnipeg, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 17, 2011