CORA ISABELLA MACKAY

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CORA ISABELLA MACKAY It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and nanny, Cora Isabella MacKay (nee Courchaine) on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at the age of 75 years. Cora was predeceased by her beloved husband, Hugh in May 1999. She was also predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth Dugan and father Edmond Courchaine. Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Dawne, (Mark MacKay-Chiddenton), Edmond (Leanne) and Kathleen, and her beloved grandchildren Eryn (MacKay-Chiddenton) and Bonnie and Paul. As an only child, Cora cherished her relationships with her cousins as if they were her sisters and brothers. She will be truly missed by all of her many cousins, especially Flo (George), Andree, Pitoune (Joe), and Louise (Andy). Mom was born in New Westminster, BC, on March 12, 1930. She came to Manitoba to train in Radiological Technology in 1951 at the Misericordia General Hospital. It is in Winnipeg where she met her husband Hugh, with whom she returned to British Columbia where they married in 1952. Hugh and Cora returned to Winnipeg after the birth of their first child to pursue their respective careers and to raise their family. Cora received certificate from the Canadian Society of Radiation Technologists in 1951 and continued with active service to the Manitoba Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (M.A.M.R.T.) throughout her life. Significant service to the M.A.M.R.T. included her time spent as the association's Recording Secretary, first Vice President of the association and later as the Association's longest serving woman President. She was passionate in her drive for the development of the Provincial Constitution and By-Laws for the Association. She was equally passionate about her participation on the committee for licensure. Most recently she completed the archival collection of documents and historically significant materials for the M.A.M.R.T. Her numerous awards include the rarely awarded C.A.M.R.T. President's medal, the C.A.M.R.T. plaque of appreciation, the M.A.M.R.T. Bill Doern Service Award, Life Membership, Certificate of Merit, and the Claude Bodle Award in 2001. For her outstanding lifelong contribution to M.A.M.R.T., Cora was awarded a lifelong membership in the Association. Cora was active in the Roman Catholic parish of St. John Brebeuf where she was an enthusiastic participant in the church choir and enjoyed her work with the Catholic Women's League. Cora was active socially and many activities she enjoyed with Hugh and others centered around their membership at the St. Boniface Golf Club. Mid to late winter was a greatly anticipated time of year when she and Hugh would look to warmer places for golf and escape, and in later years, time away from the cold with Flo and George, playing golf and enjoying each other's company. Mom had a strong belief in the importance of human values. Her family was her source of strength and pride. Sunday dinner with her family was treasured. Her belief in the imperative of human values emphasized equality, justice and fairness for all people and she was always known to treat everyone with respect and consideration regardless of their position or station. A funeral mass will be held at St. John Brebeuf Church, 605 Renfrew St., at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12. Interment and reception to follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave. We would like to thank the nursing staff at the Health Sciences Centre. We would especially like to thank the nursing staff and Erica in the Intensive Care Unit at the Seven Oaks General Hospital for their sensitive and caring approach to Cora's care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cora's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Manitoba Lung Association. Cora, you will be deeply missed - we love you Arrangements entrusted to CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2005