Obituary of Sylvia McKie

McKIE: Sylvia Ella McKie passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at the Assiniboine Centre at the age of 89 years. Sylvia was predeceased by first husband Raymond, second husband William (Bill), parents Fritz and Gladys, sisters Annabel and Nettie, and brothers Melvin and Oliver. Left to cherish her memory is brother Russell (Edith), two children Russ (Donna) and Dale (Roy), three grandchildren Ray (Kim), Duane (Gina) and Tyler (Jessica), eight great grandchildren and several extended family members. Sylvia was born and raised in Bellhampton, Manitoba. She attended and graduated from Littles Business College in Dauphin, Manitoba in 1943. She married Raymond in 1947 and was employed in several jobs as her and Raymond's careers had them moving several times. Raymond was killed in a car accident in 1964. A few years later, Sylvia purchased a summer motel on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. While running the motel, she met Bill and they were later married. The motel was sold and their careers took them to Chicago, Minneapolis, Fort McMurray, Calgary and others. When it was time to retire, Silvia and Bill settled in Brandon. Sylvia took on the task of being the secretary for Labours for Christ, a program of the Lutheran Church of Canada where retired couples built and renovated churches throughout Canada. When she and Bill left the Labours for Christ program, they moved to Medicine Hat to enjoy the milder winters. As age was catching up to them, they again moved to Brandon to be closer with family where she spent her last days. Sylvia was a woman of great faith and was always willing to help someone in need. She stayed active with the church as long as she was able. She loved travelling through North America in one of their various camper vans and loved spending time with family and friends. Sylvia will be deeply missed for her caring heart, honesty and thoughtfulness. The funeral service was held at Grace Lutheran Church on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Edmund Mielke officiating. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Active Pallbearers were Jim Langseth, Dixon Baker, Glen Andrews, Rene Fifi, Bill Woodland and Ivan Soloway. Donations in memory of Sylvia may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 4B-457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4A9 or to a charity of choice.