Winnifred Margaret McMillan

Our beloved Winnifred "Winnie" Margaret McMillan left this world as she lived in it—surrounded by love, laughter, and family.

Born on January 25, 1938, in Chu Chua, Winnie was the daughter of Christopher and Lizette (John) Donald.

Winnie is survived by her devoted sons, Dale, Karl, and Garth (Ellen); her cherished grandchildren, Steven, Emma (Nick), Quinn, Madelaine, and Isaac and great-granddaughter, (Queen) Charlotte. She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Pat, Bonnie, and Jay; brothers, Ken and Chris; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Ted; her infant son, Darryl; her son, Robin; her parents, Christopher and Lizette Donald; her sisters, Marie, Virginia, Mildred, and Rosemary; and her brothers, Frances and Mike.

Winnie grew up in Chu Chua, attending school in Chu Chua, Barriere, and, later, at the residential school in Kamloops. At 18, she began her career at BCTel in Kamloops as an operator, eventually moving into roles in accounting, forecasting, and warehouse management. During this time and for many years, Winnie developed a reputation as a dedicated union representative with the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU). Winnie retired at 55 but maintained the relations she had created during her time with BCTel as an enthusiastic member of the Telephone Pioneers retirement group.

In 1958, Winnie, who made up for her lack of stature with her vivacious personality and warm brown eyes, married the tall, handsome, and charming Ted McMillan. Together, they built a home filled with warmth and joy, raising their sons with love, care and many, many diapers. Losing their youngest son, Darryl as an infant in 1963 was a devastating blow to Winnie, but her devotion to her four surviving boys was constant. From their first home at the CN junction, to their “in town” home on Dominion, and on to their places on Columbia and later, Sunset Drive, Winnie welcomed family and friends with dinners, parties, Christmas mornings and more – all with a smile, a laugh, great cooking, and round after round of dishwashing. Ted’s passing in 2009 was a profound loss, but Winnie eventually embraced a newfound independence, creating a different, but no less full, life.

Winnie was known for many remarkable qualities. She was strong, never allowing others or even her past experiences to define her, but rather choosing her own path and walking it fiercely. A leader by nature, she was a staunch advocate for workers' rights and a formidable force who never took no for an answer. It is fitting that her passing occurred on Labour Day, a day that symbolizes the very spirit she embodied.

Her feisty spirit was matched by her sharp wit, always ready with a zinger that could command respect despite her diminutive stature. Her humour was legendary—whether it was joking about returning to work after giving birth or getting her grandchildren to clean up by telling them, “The queen is coming for tea.”

Winnie was also a creative soul, pouring her talent into crafting floral arrangements, beading Christmas ornaments, and tackling various projects like decoupage and calligraphy. Her extensive garden was a testament to her love of nature.

Winnie was also curious and enjoyed learning. She fulfilled this through her love of reading and traveling. Winnie devoured books of all genres, but her favourites were biographies. She also travelled widely highlighted by her trips to Hawaii and Missouri.

All of these interests were surpassed by her love for all things “cat.” Winnie was devoted to her many cats over the years- ET, Mother Cat, Kokanee, Baby Nelson Mandela and others. However, she also had an amazing cat memorabilia collection. They sat in the windows, on shelves, on dressers, everywhere there was room. We always knew what kind of calendar to get Winnie for Christmas.

Her loyalty to family and friends was unwavering. She nurtured friendships for decades, cared for her son Robin after his head injury in 1992 until his passing in 2018, and provided childcare for her grandchildren during their early years. Winnie’s generosity knew no bounds, from supporting numerous charities, including numerous children from the World Vision program, to buying out the entire Sears catalogue toy section every Christmas for her grandchildren (much to their parents’ dismay!).

In 2015, Winnie suffered a debilitating stroke. However, even faced with the many challenges from this, she retained her sense of humour, dignity, and independence for as long as possible, continuing to enjoy the company of her loved ones, finding joy in her family, attending gatherings, dinners, and lunches with her “boys.”

Winnie’s legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering loyalty. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, dear Winnie. You live on through your laughter and love in our hearts.

A Funeral service for Winnie will be held at the Chu Chua Community Hall on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 1 pm.

In Kamloops, family and friends are also welcome to celebrate Winnie at her favourite pub, The Office, in Valleyview, at 1 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Brain Injury Association of your choice in honour of Winnie.