McKAY, Dorothy Catherine
With great sorrow, we, Mom’s children, tell of her passing on Thursday, May 19, 2016 in her 95th year.
Born in Moncton, Mom was the daughter of the late Noble A. and Reta A. (Davidson) Renton. She had a wonderful childhood and adolescence. After graduation from high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at Radio Station CKCW, Moncton. Upon her marriage in 1949 to Gerald C. McKay (a former RCAF/RAF Fighter Pilot during most of World War II), they moved to Yarmouth. In 1955 they moved to Amherst, where they raised their children. During the late 1960s, Catherine and Gerald owned and operated Windy Mere Gift Shop, a popular tourist destination on the Tantramar Marsh. Mom continued her bookkeeping career from her home for many local businesses, and several persons we’ve spoken with have told us how much they enjoyed working with her. Catherine was a member of Trinity- St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst, where she served as treasurer for many years. She was a lifelong member of Girl Guides of Canada, serving for over 75 years, and a member of the IODE, Lord Amherst Chapter, for over 30 years. She was an active member of the L.A. Animal Shelter, as treasurer. Her special love for dogs lead to a good home for many treasured pets; to celebrate her 90th year, she self-published a book, “My 85 Years. With Dogs and Cats”.
Catherine was predeceased by her husband Gerald in 1993. She is survived by son Clifford (Suzanne) of Shelburne, N.S. and daughter Cora (Jeffrey) Nelson of Bozeman, Montana, and three granddaughters, Sara Nelson, Emma Nelson, Lisa Bower.
Mom wished for burial beside her husband of 44 years, and these arrangements have been made.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, from 6 – 9 p.m. in Campbell’s Funeral Home, 98 Church St., Amherst (902-667-9906)
A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 2 p.m. from Trinity- St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst with Rev. Nigel Weaver officiating.
Memorial donations ought to be directed to the Trefoil Guild- Girl Guides of Canada (National), the Amherst Chapter of the IODE, L.A. Animal Shelter or to the charity of your choice.
We are devastated by this great loss. We want to thank her many friends and associates who enabled her to preserve her independence throughout her later years. At a crucial moment during her recent hospitalization, Dr. Rafal Kasina was the epitome of compassionate wisdom, guiding us. Dziekuje! We are immensely grateful to him, and to the wonderful nursing staff of the ICU, and, subsequently, the Medical Unit at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, whose thoughtful care made her last days as comfortable as possible, and enabled her to continue to communicate, with the lively wit and wisdom that so characterized her gracious nature.
Condolences and sharing of memories may be made to the family via: www.campbellsamherst.ca or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.