Renée Wright Mackay was born on May 16th, 1928 to Adeline Coats and William Vernon Wright. She was the oldest of five children. She graduated from Cyprus High School class of 1946. Renée married her high school sweetheart Lowell S. Mackay in the Salt Lake Temple on December 18th, 1946. Three children were born to Renée and Lowell: Claudia Smith (Jim), Craig Mackay, and Jeffrey Mackay (Lynette). She has nine grandchildren: Justin Smith, Alisa Becker (John), Nicki Mackay, Nanette Hanks, Cort Smith (Mandy), Gentry Smith, Tara Jacobson (Darren), Troy Mackay (Michelle), and Tiffani Mackay (Casey). She has 26 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly: McKenzie, Blake, Seth, Brooke, Karissa, Austin, Olivia, Elena, Zachary, Brenner, Cayden, Mia, Breanne, Kyler, Trevin, Camden, Tyrone, Kalie, Colton, Kami, Lauren, Wyatt, Alyse, Liberty, Braxton, Lilly and 2 1/2 great-great grandchildren: Oakley, Ridge, and Burkley (February). Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She said, “I should have had them first”.
As a young mother, Renée took an active part in the P.T.A. and served as room mother during the time her children were in elementary school. She was a stay-at-home mom until her last child graduated. She loved handwork and was a beautiful seamstress. She worked diligently in the LDS church and held many callings such as Relief Society President (twice), Primary President, Stake Primary Board, Sunday School Teacher, Primary Teacher, and Young Womens Advisor. She was employed with ZCMI for several years before being encouraged to get involved in the initial incorporation of West Valley City. She agreed to run for commissioner, and out of the 11 candidates she came in first (much to her surprise)! The next 10 years of her life were devoted to helping create the city and served fire, police, an parks…not an easy job. She later worked at Huish Chemical (later Huish Detergent) for nine years as traffic manager. She retired from the workforce in 1990. The next 17 years were spent traveling with Lowell in their motorhome all over the United States. They bought a home in Yuma, Arizona where they spent their winters snow-birding. They loved cruising, however, health finally required them to come home. They lived in Sandy for 10 years and later moved to West Point in the basement of Jim and Claudia where they received the most loving care.
Renée is survived by Claudia and Jim Smith (daughter), Craig Mackay (son), Peggy Mackay (daughter-in-law), Jeff and Lynette Mackay (son), Bonnie Mitchell (sister), Gordon Wright (brother), and her yellow singing canary “Sunset”. She was preceded in death by Lowell Smith Mackay (husband), Sylvia Tucker (sister), and Dee Wright (brother).
At her request, a private family funeral was held at Valley View Memorial Park where she was laid to rest on January 24, 2019. We will always remember your giving and spunky spirit! We love you and wish to live our lives worthy to see you again soon. Special thanks to Rocky Mountain Hospice (Sara and Raylene).
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