Obituary of McKEAGUE – Mabel Jackie

October 26, 1923 – July 24, 2011 Jackie McKeague died suddenly at Emma Lake, SK on Sunday, July 24, 2011, surrounded by family. Mabel Arlene Jackson was born October 26, 1923 in Kirkland, New Brunswick. She was the third of four daughters born to Clarence and Georgia (Winchester) Jackson, and was brought up on their New Brunswick farm. Mabel enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division on May 20, 1943. In the air force Mabel became known as Jackie. While posted in Newfoundland during WWII she met Vernon (Vern) McKeague, an air force navigator from Sibbald, Alberta. Vern and Jackie were married September 4, 1946 shortly after Jackie’s discharge from the air force. After the war Vern transferred to the regular air force. They lived in Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa), England, New York and Saskatchewan for varying lengths of time, and had three children over these years. While they were in Ottawa in 1970 Jackie began working at Sears where she remained until retirement. In 1974 Vern and Jackie moved to Calgary where they have lived ever since. Jackie was an excellent cook, a wonderful knitter and a whiz at crossword puzzles. Jackie enjoyed observing nature, particularly on trips to their condo at Fairmont and her son’s cabin at Emma Lake. Jackie was a member of the Air Force Association of Canada, the Ex-Service Women’s Club and St. David’s United Church. Jackie was also a member of the Aero Space Museum of Calgary and of the Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg Jackie was predeceased by her three sisters, Annice (Harold) Dickinson; Agnes (Hank) Dickinson; and Hazel (Jack) Marshall. Jackie is survived by her loving husband, Vern; her children, David (Neva) McKeague, Dale (Lorraine Hope) McKeague and Heather McKeague; her grandchildren, Reche (Trevor Newell), Caileen (Ryan Schmidt), Sean, Maureen and Reed McKeague; her great grandchildren, Aidan, Milo, Katie and Libby; and by various nieces and nephews. Jackie will be sorely missed. Memorial Services will be held at St. David’s United Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent N.W.) on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. A Private Family Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Air Force Museum Society of Alberta, 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5J4, Telephone: 403-249-8818, www.airforcemuseumalberta.ca or the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca. In living memory of Jackie McKeague, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.