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IRENE MCKENZIE
1935 – 2021
Irene was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, John, in 2016, and her grandson Scott, in 2013. She is survived by her sister Myra (Perce); sisters-in-law, Mary and Sally; children, Ann (Chuck), Lesley (Brian), Alison (Chantal), Robert (Melanie), and John; goddaughters, Patti and Lisa; grandchildren, Maia (Aidan), Dave (Judith), Brittany, Paul, and Liana; as well as great-grandchildren, Theo, Jasper, Cora, and Edmund.
Irene was born in Scotland, and moved to New Zealand at the age of 12 with her family after the war. She excelled in sciences, and after spending some time in medical school where she got to know John McKenzie, she taught math and sciences at high schools in Wellington and Whangarei as John continued his medical training. Irene and John married in 1956, and over the next few years they had three girls while living in several different locations as John worked, researched and received additional training. During this time, Irene had another chance to teach – this time six and seven year olds at the local community school in Cassington, England. Irene often commented that this job was a joy and perhaps the most satisfying paid work she did throughout her life.
The family moved to Canada in 1969, and was soon joined by two boys. As they raised their family, Irene finished her B.Sc, at University of Winnipeg, worked as a lab technologist and then as a medical researcher in nephrology.
Irene and John enjoyed many outdoor activities together and passed along a love of the outdoors and of being physically active to their kids. They both read voraciously, and passed on a love of reading and learning to their children. Irene enjoyed travelling and hosting family and friends at home and at the cottage at Minaki. In particular, she loved to host a group of friends called the Celebration Group. She loved all kinds of music and in her final years sang with the Joie de Vivre Choir in person, and then during COVID, through Zoom. She encouraged her children to think deeply about their values and to stand up for the things they believed in. She had a special gift for being with little ones and took a lot of joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Irene loved learning and remained curious about people and how the world worked. Throughout her life, Irene continued to believe that change was possible through collective efforts. She was passionate about social justice and worked tirelessly for change for women and men locally and globally, including: working to support LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage in the United Church; as an NGO representative to the UN Decade of Women, travelling to Nairobi and Beijing to advocate for global gender equality, and serving on MATCH Global Fund for Women for many years. In 2010 she was honoured by the Winnipeg Council of Women who described her as "... a quiet force who had the ability to speak the truth without being confrontational."
Irene and John were devoted to each other, and this was obvious during Irene's fierce (and successful) battle with cancer in 2012. She knew that John needed her care, and she was determined to be there for him.
Through all the joys and sorrows in her life, Irene remained hopeful and thankful. In almost every situation, she could see the bright side. Irene made the world a better place. Her joy, compassion and laughter will be deeply missed.
We wish to thank all the caregivers and medical providers who brought their love and skillful attention to Irene over the past few years, especially the staff at Home Care, Home Instead, and the Home Palliative Care Program, as well as Dr. Ajao (her family doctor) and cardiologist Dr. John Rabson.
Donations in Irene McKenzie's memory can be made to: Alzheimer Society of Manitoba; Klinic Community Health Program (designate for Suicide Prevention Services); or a non-profit charity of your choice.
Due to COVID regulations, a private Celebration of Life has already taken place.
Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a photo tribute, eulogy, stories and condolences for the family by visiting Irene's memorial page at EthicalDeathCare.com
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 – EthicalDeathCare.com
Publish Date: Jul 3, 2021
IRENE MCKENZIE
Due to COVID restrictions, a private celebration of Irene's life will be held shortly. Details about a larger zoom gathering to come will be included in a longer obituary to be published next Saturday, July 3, 2021.
Irene's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by visiting her tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography, as well as stories and memories, published by those who knew her, are available there.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 – EthicalDeathCare.com
Publish Date: Jun 26, 2021
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 26, 2021, Jul 03, 2021
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I meet Irene when she & John moved into Fred Douglas Place. Although I never got to know them well but they were a pleasant couple. Once John passed I got to know her better. She was a lovely, gracious lady. Very quite but with a good sense of humour and a wonderful outlook on life. She will be missed. - Posted by: Chris Milloy (Aquaintenance) on: Jul 05, 2021
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We send to the our condolences to the McKenzie family on the loss of both your well loved parents/ grandparents. We are looking at their Minaki island now. Irene and John were great people and they loved to share their home here. The flickers are still nesting and the eagles still fly overhead. God speed! Sharon and Dave - Posted by: Sharon Macdonald (Friend) on: Jul 03, 2021
