Obituary of Mrs. Maureen McKay
Born July 3, 1939, the world became a better place. Daughter to Doris (Leach) and Thomas O’Donnell, Maureen was raised in Hamilton Ontario. Her childhood encompassed hardships and difficult times for the family, however Maureen always had a “don’t quit attitude”. Maureen’s strong will, determination, and perseverance guided her down a path where she found love and the kind of life that brought her happiness and joy
Maureen always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. She worked for the Hamilton-Wentworth Board of Education for many years, and later for the Toronto District School Board of Education. With her earnings, she helped support her family (mom, dad, and siblings) to put food on the table and with household expenses. She was able to purchase a red and white 1956 Chevrolet convertible car which was a source of pride. It burned oil, but she thought it was great!
On a road trip to Grand Bend in 1961, she met the love of her life, Ron McKay who she referred to as “Sonny” due to his clothing attire, and she became his “Granny”. The courting began…and they were later married on July 6, 1963. It has been 59 years of love and memories for the two of them. Together in Toronto, they raised three strong women—Julie, Jennifer, and Joanne. Maureen is Grammy to “her favourite grand-daughter” Emily, “her sweet boy” Ryan, her “angel” Justin, her “birder” Colin, “her hockey player” Liam, and “musician” Jordan. She loved them all very much and she brought so much love, joy, and laughter into their lives.
Throughout the years, Maureen welcomed everyone into our home, the door was always open. She was a second mother to many of her daughter’s friends. She always had a smile and kind word to say to others and would speak to just about anybody, always making sure she learned their name. Her "happy place” was in the kitchen where she cooked up a storm! She enjoyed baking, always making fabulous desserts. She was famous for her Mac N’ Cheese, cheese bread, BIG cookie, banana bread and muffins. She was also a great cook which is something that all her daughters have inherited. Maureen also liked to play cards (Euchre). She especially liked to say, “No ace, no face, no trump.”
Christmas was Maureen’s favourite time of year. Every year, Maureen along with her daughter Joanne and grand-daughter Emily, would go for their annual picture with Santa at the mall. She loved to give presents, sing and dance to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, decorate the house and bake. She loved being surrounded by family at any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. Christmas dinners were always at her house where she prepared a fabulous, sit-down meal, complete with paper crowns and lots of desserts.
Maureen has been fortunate enough to travel the world with her Honey, family, and friends--Disney, Hawaii, Alaska, England, Switzerland, Caribbean, Costa Rica, the East Coast and the list goes on and on. Maureen and Ron purchased matching Hawaiian outfits on their 25th Anniversary to Hawaii, and then later wore them again on a family trip back to Hawaii in 2017 and they still fit! One of her favourite things to do in Maui was to sit under the Banyan Tree and eat ice cream. She was able to do this several times with her family.
Maureen loved nature. She had a beautiful garden filled with many variations of flowers that she and dad would talk about and tend to daily. She enjoyed watching the birds in her backyard, her favourite being the male cardinal. In our family, we call this “Grammy’s bird”. So, when you see a cardinal, know that she is watching over you and is with you in your heart.
Maureen loved to laugh and have fun. She always had a smile on her face. She would often say, “Always leave them laughing.” She was so kind and generous throughout her entire life to her family and towards others. She was devoted to her family, loyal to her friends, hardworking and polite. Everyone who knows her refers to her as a kind, sweet woman. One of the strongest we know.
Maureen and Ron created a great life together. They liked to cuddle, hold hands together and were true soulmates. There were no regrets in our family. Nothing was left unsaid. She was the “Matriarch.” A loving Wife, Mother, Grammy, Sister, and Friend to all. She always said that, “You play the cards you are dealt” and she did so wonderfully. She was a fighter right up until it was time for her to leave us. Although she will be greatly missed by all who loved her so very much, we are sure she will look down on us and guide us in our days ahead. Remember that it’s never “Good-Bye,” it’s “Till we meet again.” Heaven is so blessed to have gained such a special angel on October 16, 2022 at 11:11p.m.
