Maureen Gail McKenzie

Following a lengthy illness, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maureen Gail McKenzie, early in the morning hours of June 18, aged 83 years.

Maureen will be lovingly remembered by her two sons David (Lorene) and Richard of Winnipeg and half-sister Karen (Cliff) of Mission Hills, CA. She will also be sadly missed by cousins Lynn (Dave) Pearen, Heather (Tom) Leonard and Catherine Midgley, all of Ontario.

Mom was pre-deceased by her mother Muriel Adey (nee Midgley) and her father Lawrence McKenzie as well as cherished “second Mom” Evelyn McKenzie. She eagerly looked forward to visits with family in California: those times were highlights of her retirement years, full of happy times and cherished memories.

Mom was born and raised in Winnipeg, attending and graduating from Gordon Bell High School and business college. “Mimi” grew up appreciating music, playing Chopin on piano and cultivating a lifelong love of classical music. Rachmaninoff’s concertos were particular favorites. Once she entered the working world, Mom’s natural good looks brought modelling jobs with Hurtig’s as well as the eye of her eventual husband, a young Dutchman named Henk van Haaren, to whom she was introduced by a family friend. Many fun social times were had with the vibrant Winnipeg Dutch community and they were married in 1963. Sons David and Richard came along in ’65 and ’68 respectively. When the marriage proved itself short-lived, she assumed the mantle of “single parent” with courage and determination, moving into the Wolseley neighborhood to raise her two boys and where she continued to live until shortly before her passing.

Mom’s professional career as an office stenographer began with work in some of the city’s most energetic legal firms of the early 70’s. In late 1975, she began her tenure with Imperial Oil Ltd, continuing with them until she opted for early retirement in 1997. Mom’s innate qualities of attention to detail, speed and accuracy along with her strong work ethic held her in high esteem amongst her colleagues and she was viewed as an indispensable member of the Winnipeg office team. As she liked to refer to on occasion, “Most people miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work”.

Mom’s great loves were her family, her two long-lived dogs Charlie and Riley and summers spent at the family cottage at Matlock for 35 years. She was also a crossword puzzle fiend, routinely vanquishing the New York Times’ weekly puzzle until her eyesight could no longer afford her the pleasure. Scrabble was another pastime, as was daily viewing of TV’s “The Young and The Restless”. In addition to her love of music, Mom was also enamored by “all things ancient Egypt”, regularly devouring books and TV programming on the subject.

Mom was practical, insightful and exercised and promoted common sense. She was compassionate, courageous and carried herself with dignity and grace. She was unafraid to call things as they were, challenge when required and to apologize and forgive when necessary. She was always our champion and the example of great human decency to which we, her sons, continue to aspire. She made us very proud and we are grateful to have had her light, love and guidance in our lives. We will cherish our shared memories of our dear Mom, loving and missing her always.

As per her wish, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be had. Interment at Thomson “In the Park” Cemetery will take place at a later date; she’ll rest alongside her beloved mother Muriel. Special thanks to the dedicated medical and care professional at Seven Oaks Hospital, Health Sciences Center and St. Joseph’s Residence for their great care and compassion shown to our Mom over these past several months. Any donations in her memory, if desired, can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Winnipeg Humane Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.