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VALERIE L. MCKAY (ROMAS)
Date of Passing: May 18, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
VALERIE L. MCKAY
(nee ROMAS)
She is survived by Robert, her loving husband of 60 years, daughters, Beverly (Robert Cook) and Catherine, plus grandson William (Joelle), and great-granddaughter Saoirse.
Valerie completed her schooling and secretarial college in Winnipeg where she was born and raised. She worked as a secretary in Winnipeg and Ottawa. In 1955 she met Robert (a R.C.A.F. pilot) on a blind date and they married in 1959. As a military wife there were many transfers to different cities. With each move Valerie created a home for her family by searching out cultural, sporting and social activities. She was an avid tennis and badminton player. She also enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing, yoga, music and playing the piano. She was known for her cooking and dinner parties, and enjoyed going to small ethnic restaurants. Valerie loved cats and was accepting of other odd pets collected by her daughters -- except for garter snakes. She had a quiet, welcoming demeanour, a sharp sense of humour and the ability to offer sage advice when asked. Her willingness to humour her family's interests including canoeing, camping and a move to Mexico with Robert later in life says something about her character. We all miss her very dearly.
In accordance with Valerie's wishes, she has been cremated. A family gathering will eventually be held to celebrate her life.
Our very sincere thanks to the kind staff at Riverview Health Centre D2.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation could be made to a charity of your choice or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2020
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Thinking of you, Cathy, and your Dad and sister on this sad occasion. I have so many fond memories of your Mom and your family...having dinner at your place (always a salad included!), cutting your Mom's hair, admiring your family's continual penchant for finding the humour in everything, visiting on Christmas day to find out what Santa brought you, seeing your Mom walk past our home weekly with her groceries (always equally balanced, a bag in each hand), remembering her playing tennis and always being so active, your Mom's sweet voice, the time your Mom got us jobs at the election and she made muffins for us to have during our long day there, sitting in your living room chatting (I thought your bay window was amazing!), hanging out downstairs by the wood stove, or chatting in your backyard. Your Mom made me feel so welcome and was always such a sweet and kind person throughout all the years. Your Mom is amazing and is still with you, just different than before. Saying a prayer for all of you and remembering Valerie. - Posted by: Toni Bond (Longtime friend of Mrs. McKay's daughter, Cathy) on: Jun 13, 2020
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My deepest condolences to you, Bob, and to your family. While I was expecting this passage it is still very, very sad to know that she has moved on, so to speak. Valerie was my dear friend from Grade 1 and into our teen years and adulthood. Through Valerie I met her parents who were so instrumental in shaping our lives in the early years of our family in Winnipeg. We grew up together and as I recalled the times and events we shared, she was certainly all that was stated in her memory above. I was born in April and she in August and she delighted in sending me “over the hill” and “it’s all downhill from here” birthday cards! She was a great friend, willing to participate in all the nutty things we did as children and teenagers from sneakily raiding gardens to building bonfires near the railway tracks to girls’ weekends in Minneapolis. And, my favourite, sitting on the curb as evenings got dark and discussing life and boys. It was all good and great fun! I shall always remember Valerie and expect to find her somewhere when I too move on, so to speak. Again, with the deepest sympathy to Bob and her family. - Posted by: Ilene Kardashinski-watt (Long time friend) on: May 24, 2020
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My thoughts are with you on the loss of your mother. - Posted by: Lois Mayor (HHH Friend) on: May 23, 2020
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My condolences to the family - Posted by: Diane Shepherd (Friend) on: May 23, 2020
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