Christina McKAY

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McKAY: Christina McKay (nee Swain) passed away peacefully at the Minnedosa Health Centre on Friday September 25, 2015 with her family by her side. Christina married William on June 21, 1980. They lived in Oakburn for a short period of time and moved to Strathclair, where she resided until her passing. Christina is predeceased by: Mary (mother), Albert (father), William (husband), brothers Joseph, John and George, Ronald Sr (son-in-law) and infant baby girl. She leaves to mourn: daughters, Rhonda and Mary, son Cliff (Shauna), grandchildren Ronald, Rolanda, Rachel (Ryan), Shauna, Brent, Sheldon, Tara, Sean & Paige and great grandson, Grayson. In addition, to Willard (Helen) and Melvin (Sylvia). Strathclair held a special place in her heart. She was known in the community as Granny, Grandma or Kookoo. Kookoo endured many hardships in her younger life but by the grace of God, she changed her life and became a Christian. She displayed this throughout her life by living up to her motto: love everyone and everyone should be happy. Christina loved rides to Clear Lake for flea markets, visiting her best friend Hilda in Dauphin, going to Lake Audy for supper in the cook shacks, garage sales, hunting, fishing, motorcycle rides, soccer and baseball games. She loved nature and all animals, especially horses. She loved making fried bannock and cinnamon buns. Christina loved making people laugh and smile with her sense of humour. She enjoyed gospel, metis, country and fiddling music. She was able to attend the Johnny Reid concert and the Mavericks concert with family. Kookoo’s favourite Johnny Reid song was ‘Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World.’ Her last music excursion was to Belcourt, ND for Keplin Fest in August 2015. The most important thing for Kookoo was her family. She loved each and every one of them with her whole heart. Any addition brought into her family was welcomed with open arms. Phone calls with her children and grandchildren were very special. Rocky (a miniature pinscher) joined Christina’s family two years ago. She enjoyed his constant companionship, cuddles and dancing. Her 80th surprise birthday in February brought all her family together and she was able to do what she loved: have a good meal, visit and dance. She was even able to do a little jig and danced the evening away with those in attendance. The last highlight in her last days of life was in the hospital when Rachel and Ryan got married. In a small lounge, she accompanied Rachel down the hallway carrying her beautiful bouquet. She proudly held her bouquet like the rest of the bridal party, whom were her granddaughters, Rolanda, Shauna and Tara. That last act of her life truly displayed what Christina lived for: The simplest joy brought to your heart is not what you own; it is your love of life, Christ and lastly with all of your heart- family.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 17, 2015