April 15, 1924 – April 14, 2018

Alida McKinley, our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice in Kamloops on April 14, 2018, one day short of her 94th birthday. She is survived by her children, Ann, Marie, Joe, Emile, Starr, Sandy, their spouses and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Johanna. Mom was married four times, sadly outliving each of her husbands who predeceased her. Mom was born in Heemskerk, Holland, into a family of 12 children, where she lived until she immigrated to Canada in 1945 at the end of World War II. Living through World War II in Holland was incredibly difficult for her and her family. It left a lasting impression on her and allowed her to lead her life by taking nothing for granted. Her courage in moving to a country where she did not speak the language is a testament to her willingness to take on any challenge. Although she returned to Holland to visit her family, she always felt living in Canada was the greatest place in the world. Overcoming the challenges she faced early in life made her incredibly resilient and mentally tough, attributes she tried to instill in her family. Upon immigrating to Canada, she lived in Prince George with her family for many years. Later she lived in Ontario and Kamloops as her adventures continued. Mom was an incredibly hard working person with a strong love for travelling, camping, fishing and enjoying the many beautiful parts of Canada. She was always up for the next adventure. She always had a strong need for a social network and that was evident with the many friends she made as she lived in various parts of Canada, eventually settling in Kamloops close to some of her family for the latter part of her life. Board games and card games with friends were a favourite pastime. Mom was an incredible seamstress, knitter and quilter, with many of her works admired by others. In her later days, she was most appreciative of the opportunity to volunteer and socialize with the people at Desert Gardens. Mom deeply valued her independence, insisting on living on her own and keeping her drivers license into her 90’s. She got a lot out of life and she was blessed to be healthy and mentally sharp until the end of her life. There was little left on her bucket list as we chatted in her final days. Mom was very thankful to those who helped her over the years when she needed a hand. She was so appreciative of the compassion and help from her daughter-in-law Gayle Carson. As Mom said many times in the last few months, “she has been so good to me”. In the last few months as her health became a challenge, she was very blessed to be cared for by Dr. Kraig Montalbetti. Mom was so thankful for his caring approach right up until her last few days in Hospice. Heartfelt thanks also go to her caregivers and to the staff at the Kamloops Hospice. Your care and compassion allowed her to pass with peace and dignity in a quiet setting where her family could be with her. No public service will be held by request. Mom wanted her friends and family to remember the good times. A smile and a toast in her memory would make her happy. A family gathering will be held later in the year. Should friends desire, a donation in her memory to the Marjorie Snowden Willoughby Hospice in Kamloops or other charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2018-04-14
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.