Irene McKennitt
1931 – 2011
On a beautiful spring evening, Irene Jean McKennitt (nee Dickey) passed away at the home of her daughter near Stratford, Ontario on June 6, 2011.
The daughter of Tina Dickey (deceased) (nee Shapansky) and John Dickey (deceased) of Morden, Manitoba and beloved wife of Jack McKennitt (deceased), cherished mother of Loreena McKennitt of Stratford, Ontario and son Warren McKennitt of Winnipeg, Manitoba, adored grandmother of Danae, Michaela, Daria and Luka.
Born in Rosenfeld, Manitoba on May 15, 1931, she went on to become a dedicated and compassionate nurse having graduated from Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Upon graduation, she nursed at the Morden General Hospital and later as a public health nurse in the Morden and Winkler region. She nursed her husband Jack in the latter days of his life, before she retired and moved to Salt Spring Island in 1994. This became an adored adoptive home, where she loved to garden, take walks and explore the beauties of the island, the ocean, the market and the many musical offerings to be feasted on there. In 2009 she “temporarily” relocated to Ontario seeking to regain her health. Alas, this was not to be. Short of a couple of visits, she never returned to her west coast paradise.
Irene had an incredible passion for life, a curiosity of people and places which she would pass on to her children , often travelling with them whether it be to Hawaii for Warren’s involvement in the Iron Man Triathlon or with her daughter on her many music related travels. She easily and freely engaged with other fellow travelers, often striking up conversations which would go on to be life changing. She was a deeply devoted member of the communities, of which she came to be a part and relished being of assistance to others.
She adored her small family and in particular her grandchildren, whose lives she would have loved to share more.
The family would like to give thanks to all the doctors, caregivers and friends who have supported her along the way.
Irene’s life celebration will occur on Salt Spring Island (BC) at the Lion’s Club on July 14. Details can be found at mckennittfamily.com.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to: Salt Spring Conservancy, PO Box 722, Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2W3
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