Maureen (née Devitt) Mackie

She was predeceased by her parents, Anne (née Thom) and Edward Devitt; her sister, Sandra; her former husband and father of her eight children, Reino; and her granddaughter, Carmen.

Maureen is survived by her sisters, Brenda and Karen; her children—Sonja, Karl, Ray, Laurel, Nola, Tanya, Janine, and Jason—who will each cherish their own fond memories of her; as well as her 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Maureen was born in Chemainus, BC, and grew up on a hobby farm, where she developed a love of the outdoors and animals. She later raised her own family in that same spirit in Ladysmith, BC, where time outdoors and being together were part of daily life. She enjoyed fishing around Thetis, camping trips, and was even able to escape from the kids for a summer journey to Finland with Reino.

When the kids got a little too rowdy, the rattle of the kitchen drawer was all it took—everyone knew the wooden spoon might be coming, and they’d quickly scatter outdoors or upstairs. Her children fondly remember her caring for baby farm animals, feeding them from bottles, tending to a variety of other animals, and canning fruit from the family’s trees. Many recall coming home from school to the smell of a yard fire, with Mom nearby, gently tending it with a stick as she cleared fallen branches, or to the kitchen filled with the scent of Great-Grandma Thom’s butter-horns baking.

She loved a good social gathering—especially if it included music and dancing—and was known to happily join in, even at the parties her teenage children hosted. She enjoyed learning to play the organ and knitting heavy wool sweaters. Maureen was an avid reader who enjoyed anything she could get her hands on, and she often stayed up late watching movies. She was always ready for a trip to the local bingo hall and enjoyed trivia, card games, puzzles, and crosswords. In later years, she found pleasure in mahjong, word games, and solitaire on her tablet.

She dedicated her early years to raising her family and later worked in a variety of roles, including as a newspaper collator and in bakery and restaurant kitchens. She handled whatever life brought her with strength, care, and quiet resilience.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. P. Moonsamy, Nanaimo Community Health Services, and First Memorial Funeral Services for their care, compassion, and support.

In keeping with her wishes, no service will be held.