Obituary of JEANNIE ISABELLE MACKAY

Jeannie Isabelle Mackay, 87, of Fort Garry, Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away on October 21st, 2024, at Extendicare Tuxedo Villa after a lengthy illness. Jeannie was predeceased by her Parents, Sara and Leslie Mackay, Husband, Fred Young and Stepson Fred Young Jr. She will be remembered with great affection by her many friends and will be missed dearly by her Mackay, Fennell, Penner and Young families.

Jeannie was born on February 26, 1937, to Sara and Leslie Mackay in Fort Garry. Sadly, Jeannie’s mom died when Jeannie was only 2 years old leaving her father to raise her alone. Jeannie and her dad thought themselves most fortunate to be living next door to a wonderful family- Majorie and Ray Fennell, their niece Ruth, and daughters Carolyn, Nancy and Leslie. This family had a deep and lasting impact on Jeannie’s life. Leslie and Jeannie became the best of friends; a friendship that lasted her entire life. In grade 6 Jeannie was introduced to the sport of badminton and she took to it like a duck to water. She and friend Marj became fixtures at the Wildwood Club, playing every chance they got.

After graduating from Viscount Alexander in 1954, Jeannie went on to study Nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital where she lived in residence. Her 1958 yearbook describes her as an ‘enthusiastic good-natured character, always ready to join in on laughter or tears and add zest or excitement.’ Jeannie claimed she couldn’t carry a tune but that didn’t seem to stop her from joining in the 2:00 AM Ukulele sing-a-longs while in residence. After graduation, Jeannie landed her first job in Brandon, kicking off a thirty plus year career in Nursing. After retiring as Head of Nursing at Brandon General Hospital in 1997, Jeannie spent her time golfing, knitting and cheering on either the Winnipeg Blue Bombers or the Winnipeg Jets. She lamented the fact that ‘badminton doesn’t get enough air time’.

In 1998, Jeannie reconnected with High School Friend, Fred Young, and they wed in May of 2004. They called Brandon home until moving back to Winnipeg in 2018. Together they enjoyed golfing, road and train trips across Canada, and Riverboat Cruises in Europe.

Jeannie’s family is grateful for the kindness and care she received as her health declined. The Staff at Riverwood Square, the Victoria General Hospital and Extendicare Tuxedo Villa are commended for the compassionate treatment of Jeannie.

Cremation has taken place and a private Graveside service will be held at a later date.

The family kindly requests donations to Diabetes Canada, in lieu of flowers.

We are here to add what we can to,

not to get what we can from, life. -Sir William Osler