Obituary of McKENZIE – Sheila Ann

July 4, 1930 – April 21, 2010 Sheila Ann McKenzie passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010 in Foothills hospital. The skilled and caring staff had done everything possible to support and comfort her under the circumstances; for that we will be ever grateful. Born in Vancouver on the 4th of July, 1930, only child of Chester and Clara Neff (nee Grant), Sheila graduated from Lord Byng High School and went on to the University of Toronto to become an Occupational Therapist (grad ’52). She met Douglas Edward McKenzie, dashing young Air Force officer, while she was working at a military hospital in Saskatoon; They married in Vancouver November 1953 and moved continuously from one Air Force base to another within Canada until Doug retired in 1974 and the family settled down in Alberta. Both Sheila and Doug enjoyed Highland games and were active in MacKenzie and History Societies here. Thanks to Shannon’s Air Canada connection, they also travelled extensively around the globe. Active over the years in UCW, PEO, Bow Valley Quilters (‘Strippers’ group) and the book club she founded decades ago, Sheila also returned to her career as an Occupational Therapist and specialized in stroke rehabilitation after putting down stakes in Calgary. Enthusiastically social, she loved to entertain and through voluminous correspondence maintained a vast network of far-flung acquaintance. Sheila was predeceased by Doug thirteen years ago. She was deeply loved and will be missed by many, including numerous long-time friends and extended family as well as by her children and grandchildren: Keith McKenzie, his wife Shannon and children, Duncan and Claire; Kathy Mathias, her husband John and sons, David and Jeremy; Shannon McKenzie and son Evan; Susan Watson and daughter Sarah. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Parkdale United Church (2919 – 8th Avenue N.W.) on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in lieu of flowers directly to the Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta, #102, 5636 Burbank Crescent S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsons-society.org. In living memory of Sheila McKenzie, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.