Jenipher Isobel Ross MacKenzie

Jay MacKenzie passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, in Chilliwack, B.C., with her children Mark and Clare at her side. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Nigel and Nancy Butcher, her sister Trina, and her husband of 50 years, Rev. Dr. Sheldon MacKenzie.

Born Jenipher “Jay” Butcher on May 10, 1940, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Jay moved as a young child with her family to her father's hometown of Durban, South Africa.

At 17, she travelled to the UK where she earned top marks at St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. There, she enjoyed an active social life with friends from all over the world, and at a party one night, met “the Canadian” she’d heard so much about - Sheldon MacKenzie.

After marrying in Durban on July 25, 1962, the couple settled in Montreal where Jay embraced life in an exciting new city and became a proud Canadian citizen.

Seven years and two children later, the couple moved to Newfoundland. They planned on spending two years in St. John’s, but were so taken with the people, culture and scenery, that two years stretched to 25, while spending summers at a farmhouse near Sheldon’s family in Nova Scotia.

In St. John’s, Jay made many good friends and was a tireless volunteer - church activities, adult literacy lessons, school programs at the Newfoundland Museum, and Meals on Wheels.

Upon retirement, the couple moved to Nova Scotia, and then to B.C. in 2001, where both Mark and Clare were living with their families.

Settling in Chilliwack, she was entranced by the beauty of the mountains, loved meeting new people, and greatly enjoyed milder winters. Most of all, Jay delighted in her role as “Nan” - a devoted grandmother, sewing elaborate costumes, watching soccer games in the rain, making special birthday cakes, and soaking up every second spent with her grandchildren.

When Clare and her family moved back east, Jay became bicoastal, with regular visits and daily phone calls. She often said the only thing wrong with Canada was its size; that she’d like to give it a nip and tuck to make the distance seem less far.

After Sheldon died in 2012, Jay helped organize social events in her retirement community, and volunteered at a local soup kitchen and thrift shop.

Throughout her 84 years, Jay spoke with conspicuous grace, intelligence and wit. She supported and loved her family unconditionally and quietly performed profound acts of kindness.

Jay leaves a lifetime of beautiful memories to her son Mark (Megan), daughter Clare, grandchildren Anna, Charlotte, Malcolm and Skai, sisters Angie Burkitt in England, Liz Rathgeb (Fernando) in Massachusetts, nieces Emily and Sarah and nephews Simon and William. As well, her sisters- and brothers-in-law and their children in Nova Scotia, Alberta and Ontario.

The family thanks Dr. Dara Donnelly and Dr. Julia Bright for their exceptional care, as well as the health-care providers at Cascades long-term care home. A celebration of Jay’s life will be held later this year in B.C. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada or the charity of your choice.