Evelyn Park "Pretty" McKay
June-27-1924 - December-30-2016
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Bob and Elaine DeLisle posted a condolence
My deepest sympathy to Walter, Bob, Audrey, Donna and all the family and Grandchildren, who cherished this wonderful woman and she them. Evelyn and I worked on the same shift for 10 years at Lanark Lodge and we shared many stories and even more laughs. She was just a joy to work with. Heaven has gained a true angel. May you Rest in Peace my friend. Life was GOOD INDEED. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad and difficult time. Hugs to you all. She will be missed.
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Drummond Centre Women's Institute posted a condolence
The ladies of the Drummond Centre Women's Institute send their deepest sympathy to the McKay family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
M
Mary Rose Kulyk posted a condolence
My sympathies go out to Walter, Bob, Lois and families for the loss of this wonderful lady.
My mother was a first cousin to Evelyn and I was fortunate to meet this special lady twice, when I traveled to Ontario, once with my mother, Myrtle and a second time with my cousin, Ann. She had many special tributes, but what sticks out in my mind is her great sense of humour and her love of life and family. Even though I only got to know Evelyn for a short time on my couple of visits, I am a better person for meeting her.
I won't forget the generosity shown by Bob and Lois who welcomed us into their home and toured us around the area. It is evident that Evelyn has passed on many of her great tributes to her children and she lives on through them.
C
Cathy Halliwushka posted a condolence
Mike and I send our deepest sympathy to Uncle Walter, Audrey, Donna and Bob and families . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time . Aunt Evelyn will be cherished in our hearts !
D
Don and Dianne Adam posted a condolence
To all of Evelyn's family. We wish to express our condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
L
Laurie and Marilyn Manson posted a condolence
We are so sorry to read of the death of Evelyn. Her smile and kindness will be what we will remember the most - Evelyn was a gem! Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family, she will be missed by all. Hugs, Laurie and Marilyn
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Hertha & Bill Perry posted a condolence
Our memories with the McKay family go back a number of years.I, Bill, recall riding the school bus that took us, including Bob and Lois,into Perth and P&DCI. I, Bill, recall talking with Walter and trying to get him to tell me stories about my father as a young man. Either the stories weren't good or his memory was short. Hertha remembers working with Evelyn at the Lanark Lodge, fondly remembers her kindness and thoughtfulness. She also added, "we worked well together." We send our condolences to you all, along with our prayers. Some writer, probably a poet, at one time used the expression "a life well lived," and it has been written many times since. We think it fits very well as we remember Evelyn.
H
Hertha & Bill Perry posted a condolence
Our memories with the McKay family go back a number of years.I, Bill, recall riding the school bus that took us, including Bob and Lois,into Perth and P&DCI. I, Bill, recall talking with Walter and trying to get him to tell me stories about my father as a young man. Either the stories weren't good or his memory was short. Hertha remembers working with Evelyn at the Lanark Lodge, fondly remembers her kindness and thoughtfulness. She also added, "we worked well together." We send our condolences to you all, along with our prayers. Some writer, probably a poet, at one time used the expression "a life well lived," and it has been written many times since. We think it fits very well as we remember Evelyn.
J
Joyce Thomas posted a condolence
My sincere sympathy to the McKay Family on Evelyn's passing. Evelyn was a kind and jolly lady who had a great smile.z
J
Jim & Linda Whelen posted a condolence
Our deepest sympathy to the McKay family. Evelyn was always such a warm, generous person and she will be missed.
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The family of Evelyn Park McKay uploaded a photo
Monday, February 10, 2020
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The family of Evelyn Park McKay uploaded a photo
Monday, January 20, 2020
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Donna Hall lit a candle
Saturday, January 7, 2017
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Evelyn - Life Reflection
<p>
Mom was born on June 27, 1924, to Robert & Agnes Pretty. Her siblings were Nellie Affleck, Charlie, Earl and Lorne Pretty. Mom weighed less than 5 pounds, and was kept on the cook stove oven door in a roast pan to incubate until she grew stronger. She was a strong woman with a strong character, that could do anything she “laid her hand to”. She lived in the same farm house for 90 years. </p>
<p>
She completed grade 8 at the Hopetown School, and passed her entrance exams for high school in Perth, with Earl Stead. With the failing health of her mother, she was needed at home, and began her life long career as a homemaker, and a caretaker of others. She baked bread, cleaned house and worked in the fields with her father. When she lost her mother at the age of 14, Aunts Nellie, Annie, and Reen were her role models. She was the young “fun” aunt – almost the same age as her nieces and nephews with whom she had great times and loved dearly. Lizzy Pretty and the women from the village helped her tremendously to learn all the skills she needed to run her home. Her father lived with she and dad until 1948. </p>
<p>
Born shortly after WWI ended, she saw many of the world’s most significant historical events. The roaring 20s, the dirty-thirties, and World War II. These events had an impact on mom’s life and shaped her into the woman she was. Seeing her school mates leave for war and not return, living through the depression, and knowing that a penny saved was a penny earned - she was not wasteful. We often laughed that “recycling” was not a new thing! Flour bags turned to clothes and tea towels, head cheese tins were used for bread pans, and handing things down to family and friends that needed them was just common sense. She was prepared – they did not go to the grocery store – she baked it, she cooked it, she sewed it, she canned it, and she taught all of us to do it too. She passed on her skills to other young women and girls that needed a hand. Back then the community worked together, and she was a big part of that. </p>
<p>
She met our father in 1942 as the war raged on, and married him on April 29, 1944. Robert, her Bobbie arrived in May 1945, and Brenda and Audrey followed along, and I arrived in 1962. </p>
<p>
These were difficult years on the farm, and the world was changing. The farm was not as productive as it needed to be in this day & age. Dad headed to Almonte to work in sheet metal, and became a welder, and mom well, she stayed at home with me until I started school in 1968, and started working outside the home for the first time. Tayview Nursing Home, shift work, for the first time at age 44. She took courses at Algonquin College and received a Nurses’ Assistant diploma in 1969. She only had grade 8 for formal education, but she did very well. She loved it. Remember the old yellow nurses’ book? There was rarely an ailment or a dilemma that came up that we didn’t hear “get me my yellow nurses’ book”. She wore her white uniform and hat proudly. She contributed to the wellbeing of countless aged people through the 1970s, moving to Lanark Lodge with her letter of recommendation. She was very proud of that. The last week we visited, she was still talking about the “girls at the Lodge”. They were good times for mom. She was hard working.</p>
<p>
Grandchildren were arriving right left and centre. Over the next 20 years she had 12 grandchildren. Cheryl being her first born grand daughter in 1967. I remember the day. Mom truly remembered the birth of each and every one of you. She followed your lives and she prayed for all of you. Linda, Cindy & Sandy, Amy, Angie, Chrissy, Jodi, Ashley, and Victoria. Ten grand daughters and two grandsons, Sean and Jon. Twenty-two great grand children, and one great-great-grandchild expected any day now. </p>
<p>
Grandma was still working shift work when many of you were young, but she retired in the early 1980s. She loved to spend time with all of you. She passed on sewing and knitting and crochet, but mostly she passed on stories to those who cared to listen. Grandma was no nonsense, but she was also, loving, patient and kind. She was forgiving. </p>
<p>
Her handwriting was shakey, and her memory not as sharp as it once was, but she loved each and every one of you dearly and loved to hear the details of your life. You have to “go where the work is”, so although they missed those that travelled out of the county, they understood why and were proud of you for doing what needed to be done. </p>
<p>
Mom’s faith was strong her entire life. I found little clippings of verses from the paper and little notes about bible verses. She was an active member of the church her entire life. The Women’s Institute and U.C.W. She loved her community all her neighbours and friends. </p>
<p>
Her friends Shirley, Dorothy, Audrey and Corrine, Vera and so many more, family all over Canada, she kept in touch with, receiving a call from Ray Park just a few days before Christmas. Mom loved to travel, and we visited scores of relatives from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island over the 1970s. They travelled with friends and neighbours after I grew up, Bill & Audrey, Earl and Dorothy, Ted & Nada, Bert & Ellen, and we can’t forget Ron & Audrey. Remember the card games? They would play until 11 then have a salmon sandwich, a cup of tea, and be home by midnight. </p>
<p>
Her marriage to our father was something special. They were a committed couple. They worked hard and they loved deeply. The world would be a better place if more people shared love like my parents. They still held hands. They still kissed each other good night. We all witnessed it. We all grew up with it, and we are blessed because of it. </p>
<p>
The past two years, mom and dad have resided in Rideau Ferry. They appreciated the care that they received and they settled in, they made some new friends with the folks there, but she always missed home. She couldn’t control the kitchen in Rideau Ferry so it was hard for her. Mother knows best. </p>
<p>
Just last week mom told me that “you kids have done a great job”. And that is a wonderful thing to hear and for all of us to know. </p>
<p>
Mom had a beautiful life. She shared that with us. </p>
<p>
We will miss her. </p>
<p>
</p>
J
Jim & Linda Whelen posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the McKay family. Evelyn was always such a warm, generous person and she will be missed.
J
Joyce Thomas posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
My sincere sympathy to the McKay Family on Evelyn's passing. Evelyn was a kind and jolly lady who had a great smile.z
H
Hertha & Bill Perry posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2017
Our memories with the McKay family go back a number of years.I, Bill, recall riding the school bus that took us, including Bob and Lois,into Perth and P&DCI. I, Bill, recall talking with Walter and trying to get him to tell me stories about my father as a young man. Either the stories weren't good or his memory was short. Hertha remembers working with Evelyn at the Lanark Lodge, fondly remembers her kindness and thoughtfulness. She also added, "we worked well together." We send our condolences to you all, along with our prayers. Some writer, probably a poet, at one time used the expression "a life well lived," and it has been written many times since. We think it fits very well as we remember Evelyn.
H
Hertha & Bill Perry posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2017
Our memories with the McKay family go back a number of years.I, Bill, recall riding the school bus that took us, including Bob and Lois,into Perth and P&DCI. I, Bill, recall talking with Walter and trying to get him to tell me stories about my father as a young man. Either the stories weren't good or his memory was short. Hertha remembers working with Evelyn at the Lanark Lodge, fondly remembers her kindness and thoughtfulness. She also added, "we worked well together." We send our condolences to you all, along with our prayers. Some writer, probably a poet, at one time used the expression "a life well lived," and it has been written many times since. We think it fits very well as we remember Evelyn.
L
Laurie and Marilyn Manson posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2017
We are so sorry to read of the death of Evelyn. Her smile and kindness will be what we will remember the most - Evelyn was a gem! Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family, she will be missed by all. Hugs, Laurie and Marilyn
D
Don and Dianne Adam posted a condolence
Sunday, January 1, 2017
To all of Evelyn's family. We wish to express our condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
C
Cathy Halliwushka posted a condolence
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Mike and I send our deepest sympathy to Uncle Walter, Audrey, Donna and Bob and families . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time . Aunt Evelyn will be cherished in our hearts !
M
Mary Rose Kulyk posted a condolence
Sunday, January 1, 2017
My sympathies go out to Walter, Bob, Lois and families for the loss of this wonderful lady. My mother was a first cousin to Evelyn and I was fortunate to meet this special lady twice, when I traveled to Ontario, once with my mother, Myrtle and a second time with my cousin, Ann. She had many special tributes, but what sticks out in my mind is her great sense of humour and her love of life and family. Even though I only got to know Evelyn for a short time on my couple of visits, I am a better person for meeting her. I won't forget the generosity shown by Bob and Lois who welcomed us into their home and toured us around the area. It is evident that Evelyn has passed on many of her great tributes to her children and she lives on through them.
D
Drummond Centre Women's Institute posted a condolence
Saturday, December 31, 2016
The ladies of the Drummond Centre Women's Institute send their deepest sympathy to the McKay family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
B
Bob and Elaine DeLisle posted a condolence
Saturday, December 31, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Walter, Bob, Audrey, Donna and all the family and Grandchildren, who cherished this wonderful woman and she them. Evelyn and I worked on the same shift for 10 years at Lanark Lodge and we shared many stories and even more laughs. She was just a joy to work with. Heaven has gained a true angel. May you Rest in Peace my friend. Life was GOOD INDEED. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad and difficult time. Hugs to you all. She will be missed.
First Visitation
When Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location
Blair & Son - Perth Chapel
Address
15 Gore St W,
Perth, ON K7H 3C7
Location Information
Plentiful parking at the rear of the facility
Second Visitation
When Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location
Blair & Son - Perth Chapel
Address
15 Gore St W,
Perth, ON K7H 3C7
Location Information
Plentiful parking at the rear of the facility
Service Information
When
Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 1:30pm
Location
Blair & Son - Perth Chapel
Address
15 Gore St W,
Perth, ON K7H 3C7
Location Information
Plentiful parking at the rear of the facility
