Lois Elizabeth MacKinnon (nee Gregson)

While many know of their family tree, our family has always known the “garden”. Lois Elizabeth (nee Gregson) MacKinnon passed peacefully on September 26th at the age of 96 with family by her side. We are saddened to lose such a binding force of our family, but equally comforted knowing she was in her Guelph home on Monticello surrounded by the famously lush garden and trees that she, not so long ago, tended with her own hands.

Lois is survived by her children, Evan MacKinnon and Julie Rattray (Stephen), six grandchildren, Alex (Janet), David (Jenny), Katie (Tyler), Kyle (Stephanie), Curtis and Lauren, eight great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Merle Giffen (late Warren), and 15 nieces and nephews.

Born August 29th,1928 to Elizabeth Bayne and Lorne Gregson, Lois has now gone to reunite with her parents and late siblings, Ansley, Doug, Gord and Lorna. Her strong heart, determined mind, and working hands came from her humble beginnings growing up as a farm girl in Hillsburgh.

Lois would meet her husband, William Leslie MacKinnon, while working at Armco and they were married on October 31st, 1953. They remained side-by-side for 65 years until Bill’s passing in March 2019. Lois stood steadfast by his side as Bill built the family trucking business, and the MacKinnon Transport family became an extension of their own.

Putting family first and showing up as a kind host was something Lois was celebrated for and what her kids have carried on within their own families. Her grandkids and great grandkids will always know her gentle and genuine kindness, as she kept her home open to all of us. Lois will always be the grandma we loved to pop in to visit. In the summers, she kept her ice cream drawer stocked and watched us keeping the pool in the backyard busy.

Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert, MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph. The family will be holding a private memorial service. As expressions of sympathy, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.glibertmacintyreandson-hart.com

We would like to thank the incredible care Lois and her family received from Doctor Spadafora, Shannon and the Bayshore Nurses, and the compassionate PSW team. Their dedication and kindness honoured Lois’ wish to be at home with her family around her. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the special friends and family who made the extra effort to keep connected with Lois through drop-ins, phone calls, or checking in about the latest curling scores.

Thank you for having Lois and her family in your thoughts and prayers.