Obituary for Lillian "Winona" MacKenzie (Wightman)
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in Ottawa on August 23, 2022 in her 90th year. Lillian Winona MacKenzie (nee Wightman), born April 30, 1933, beloved daughter of the late Robert Stanley and Catherine Elsie Wightman (nee Bennett); pre-deceased by husband David Robertson MacKenzie and older brothers James Bennett, Clifford Raeburn, Stanley Earle. Cherished mother of Kenneth (Joyce Green), Karen (Peter Loukes) and Robert; loving ‘Oma’ to Emily (Phil Hawken), Madeline (Osie Ukwuoma), Kate, Maureen; special Great Oma to Henry and Charlie. Devoted Aunt Onie to many nieces/nephews. She will be remembered most for her strong independent nature, her willingness to help and loyalty to friends. Winona was a very special woman and will be forever missed by all who knew her. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of the Munro & Morris Funeral Homes, 46 Oak Street, Lancaster, 613-347-3629. Based on her medical roots and devotion to volunteerism, her body has been donated to the University of Ottawa for the advancement of scientific knowledge as per her wishes. Cremation and celebration of life to follow at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, as Winona was a long-time supporter. As a Memorial to Winona, a tree will be planted in a memory woods. A tree grows - memories live. Condolences may be made online at www.munromorris.com.
Born in Cornwall and raised on a dairy farm near Lancaster on the 3rd Concession, Winona attended the Picnic Grove one room schoolhouse for her primary years. She was active in the Junior Farmers’ program and was selected to represent Glengarry County at annual conventions in Guelph and Lake Couchiching. Upon graduation from Williamstown high school, she completed her nursing degree at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal in 1955.
While raising a family in Renfrew, Winona worked in nursing, including the Director of Nursing position at Groves Park Lodge. Her resiliency was evident during this time as she successfully battled breast cancer. She learned to downhill ski at Candiac, took up Scottish Country dancing, learned to refinish antiques and completed her family genealogy research during this period.
Once her children were grown, Winona relocated to Ottawa, becoming a Senators fan, perfecting intricate crochet handiwork and continuing to support the community through her volunteer efforts. She also organized many Royal Vic nurses’ reunions and was a member of the Eastern Star. She taught computer night courses to seniors. She enjoyed special trips to Ireland, Netherlands, Iqaluit, Vancouver, L.A, Newfoundland, PEI, Jamaica and a Panama cruise with friends.
A lover of cats and all things Scottish; she most valued time with family. She was immensely proud of her children’s accomplishments, and enjoyed many granddaughter dance recitals and family visits over the years.
She enjoyed her retirement years, riverside, at Westley’s Point outside Lancaster, nurturing her extensive gardens and was recognized for 20 years of volunteering at the local senior’s Outreach.
We will miss her unconditional love, her strength and support throughout our lives and also will miss special touches like taffy in July, amazing turkey and perch dinners and enjoying her extensive array of Xmas baking.
Born in Cornwall and raised on a dairy farm near Lancaster on the 3rd Concession, Winona attended the Picnic Grove one room schoolhouse for her primary years. She was active in the Junior Farmers’ program and was selected to represent Glengarry County at annual conventions in Guelph and Lake Couchiching. Upon graduation from Williamstown high school, she completed her nursing degree at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal in 1955.
While raising a family in Renfrew, Winona worked in nursing, including the Director of Nursing position at Groves Park Lodge. Her resiliency was evident during this time as she successfully battled breast cancer. She learned to downhill ski at Candiac, took up Scottish Country dancing, learned to refinish antiques and completed her family genealogy research during this period.
Once her children were grown, Winona relocated to Ottawa, becoming a Senators fan, perfecting intricate crochet handiwork and continuing to support the community through her volunteer efforts. She also organized many Royal Vic nurses’ reunions and was a member of the Eastern Star. She taught computer night courses to seniors. She enjoyed special trips to Ireland, Netherlands, Iqaluit, Vancouver, L.A, Newfoundland, PEI, Jamaica and a Panama cruise with friends.
A lover of cats and all things Scottish; she most valued time with family. She was immensely proud of her children’s accomplishments, and enjoyed many granddaughter dance recitals and family visits over the years.
She enjoyed her retirement years, riverside, at Westley’s Point outside Lancaster, nurturing her extensive gardens and was recognized for 20 years of volunteering at the local senior’s Outreach.
We will miss her unconditional love, her strength and support throughout our lives and also will miss special touches like taffy in July, amazing turkey and perch dinners and enjoying her extensive array of Xmas baking.