April 15, 2023
May Mackenzie passed away peacefully at home, with family by her side.
Mourning her loss but celebrating her remarkable life are her daughters Marilyn, Linda and Isobel along with her many cherished grandchildren, great grandchildren and sister-in-law Elizabeth. May was predeceased by her beloved husband Alexander (Sandy) Mackenzie in 2021.
May was the daughter of James and Letitia Paterson. She enjoyed a happy childhood in Paisley, Scotland with her sister and two brothers, spending Sundays at Greenlaw Church and summers in Dunoon. Along with her idyllic early years, May lived through the second world war and
knew what it was like to spend nights in a bomb shelter, bake a cake on weekly sugar rations and receive a telegram from the War Office. Together these experiences were woven into countless stories that were told over the years to her children and grandchildren- a living history lesson none of us will forget.
May emigrated to Canada where she met her husband, a highlander known to all as "Sandy", who himself had emigrated from Scotland a few years earlier. From Ottawa to Edmonton to Victoria to White Rock and finally to Oak Bay, May and Sandy enjoyed 60 years of happy memories. May also enjoyed a long career with the Royal Bank of Canada, retiring in 1987. She was active in St. John's Presbyterian Church, her book club, the Canadian Cancer Society and along with Sandy spent many years travelling, enjoying time with family and winters in the Arizona sunshine.
As a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother May was adored by her family. Her infectious humour was reflected in almost any conversation and we all have memories of her many anecdotes told in the never-lost Scottish brogue. The void that has been created with the loss of May will be difficult for her family to fill, but we are all grateful for the amazing 95 years that she lived.
The family would like to thank our mother's incredible companions Shana and Carrie along with Dr. Ted Rosenberg.
Together they provided exceptional care and comfort for our mother over the past few years and allowed her to live the entirety of life on her own terms.
A gathering of family and friends will be held in the summer to celebrate May's life. If you wish to send a message to the family or be notified of the gathering please email maymackenzie1927@gmail.com
If desired, donations can be made to the Alexander and Mary Mackenzie Scholarship at the University of Victoria or a charity of choice.