Mary Ann McKenzie

She is survived by her adoring husband of 25 years, Tom McKenzie, her three daughters: Margaret (Jack) Surinak of Fort St. John, Christine (Gary Grout) Dixon of Nakusp and Linda (Danny McGrath) Dixon of Nakusp and step-son Ian McKenzie of Vernon, B.C. and 7 grandchildren: Stacey (Rob) Derouin, Lee Surinak, Claire Paradis, Amos Evans, Kate (Warren) Lario, Chris (Sarah) Surinak, Geoff (Karalyn) Grout and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her older sisters, Irene McLean of Fort St. John and Sylvia Cranston of Nanaimo, B.C. and brother-in-law Ron (Fern) McKenzie of Kelowna. She was pre-deceased by an older sister Lucy Scheck and older brother Lawrence Lohman, step son Brian McKenzie.

Mary Ann was born in Effingham, Illinois on May 10, 1929. She moved to Fort St. John, B.C. as a baby, where she was raised by her grandparents, Annie and Ted Schauwecker. She helped with her grandmother's laundry business and her grandfather's pool hall business. She was a member of the Alcan Follies and worked at the Hudson Bay Company post. In the Peace River country the Lohman girls, comprised of Mary Ann and her sisters were much in demand for their beautifully harmonized singing voices and musicality. She moved, with her grandparents, to Armstrong, B.C. where she married Earl Dixon and raised their three daughters.

The best and happiest years of her life were spent with her husband, Tom, with whom she enjoyed dancing, travelling, spending time with family and friends, and working in their yard.

Mary Ann will always be remembered for her wonderful adventurous cooking and delicious baking; her wicked sense of humor and her love of practical jokes. Her daughters have special memories of the beautifully decorated cakes she made with love for their birthdays.

There will be no service, by request. Interment will be in the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Cemetery in the spring.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the guest book at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Valleyview Funeral Home, Kelowna, BC 250-765-3147.