MARY WEBB

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MARY WEBB McKENTY (nee RAIT) June 3, 1916 November 22, 2002 On November 22, 2002, in Winnipeg, our mother (grandmother) Dr. Mary McKenty died at peace and with dignity after a long illness. Mary was predeceased by her parents William McGillivray Rait and Minnie Hepburn Rait; her sister Margaret; and her former husband Dr. J. Stewart McKenty. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Louise Clark, Robert (Elizabeth), Christopher, and Margaret (Elizabeth) her nine grandchildren; Williams wife Alice; her dear friend and classmate Evelyn Loadman; and many friends, colleagues, and former patients. Mary was born in Winnipeg and educated at Fort Rouge Preparatory School, Riverbend School, and the University of Manitoba. She was one of only four women in her graduating class in medicine in 1941, but always praised the supportiveness and camaraderie of her classmates. Maintaining a part-time practice during her child-rearing years, Mother was increasingly drawn to treat the problems of children and adolescents. She counselled for years at St. Agnes School (run by the Grey Nuns) before returning to full-time practice and certifying as a psychiatrist in the 1970s. She was on staff at the Child Guidance Clinic and St. James-Assiniboia S.D. Educational Support Services until she retired in 1988. She enjoyed much quiet success in her practice. Many of her patients kept in touch long after their treatment days were over, and she always took a keen interest and affectionate pride in their accomplishments. Mother "Tutu" loved, fiercely and indulgently, her children, her grandchildren, her parents, her dogs, her Scottish heritage, and her chosen profession. She treasured her friends, her summers at Trout Lake (with all its flora and fauna), her trusty Volvo, and her long-distance phone chats. She delighted in music, cherished a good joke, was deeply loyal to the people and principles she cared about, and never forgot a slight, either. She faced first, cancer, and finally Alzheimers disease, with unspoken courage and great independence of spirit. Marys family thanks those special individuals who cared for her at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, and above all her own caregivers Myrna Tabin and Yolanda Agsi, who did so much to ensure Mothers comfort and quality of life in often difficult circumstances. At the familys wish, cremation has taken place. A service celebrating Mary McKentys life was held at St. Aidans Anglican Church, 274 Campbell, on Thursday, November 28, at 1:00 p.m., Rev. Canon Dr. Arthur N. Thompson officiating; interment followed after a brief reception in the church hall. In place of flowers, those who wish may choose to make a donation in memory of Mary McKenty to the medical, educational, or womens rights foundation of their choice NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2002