Margaret Jean McKenzie Reid

Peacefully at her home on Sunday, May 25, 2014 in her 79th year. Beloved wife of the late Ronald Adam Reid (1983) for 25 years. Loving Mom of Pat (Lawlor McKenna), Kelly Reid (Eric Johnson), and Scott Reid (Patricia Fournier). Cherished Grandma of Alex (Tara Spears fiancé), Adam, Samuel, Vincent, Olivier, Zane and Kyler. Treasured sister of William (Betty) McKenzie, Helen (Earl) Belsey and the late Jim (late Pat) McKenzie.

Jean graduated in 1957 from Peterborough Civic Hospital School of Nursing. She retired in 1999 as a nurse working at Southlake Regional Hospital (formerly York County Hospital). Jean was actively involved in the Peterborough Folk Art Guild, and Peterborough Probus. Her kindness, sincerity and generosity of heart will be fondly remembered by her family and many friends.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 pm on Thursday and 9:15-9:45 am followed by a funeral service in the chapel at 10:00 am on Friday, May 30, 2014 at COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street. Interment will take place at 4:00 pm at LAKEFIELD CEMETERY, 1262 Buckhorn Road, Lakefield. Memorial donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by Jean’s family. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com

This isn't really a biography, more of a tribute and some info about her life - from me.

There are so many words to describe our mom, I’m not sure where to begin. Kind, Loving and Generous of Heart are just a few. Mom cared deeply about her family and friends.

I always felt like a kid around my mom. It was a great feeling. She’s the best mom in the world. Isn’t that how you should to feel about your mom? I sure do.

Mom had some tough challenges in her life

• Her father left when she was young

• Her husband, our dad, died when she was only 48 years old

• She battled 3 cancers with unbelievable resolve & dignity

Mom told me not so long ago that she was so grateful for the love & support she received from her family & friends. She often said this at grace when I was there with her. That love and support gave her the strength to fight the battle and the courage to persevere. It also made her happy to know so many people cared.

Mom was a nurse all her life - even after retired. It was in her blood. I believe mom became a nurse because she had an incredible sense of wanting to help people in need. I know she made lots of friends in nursing over the years and so many of you were able to attend her funeral

Some of her close friends that shared many adventures with our mom:

• Stephanie MacGreggor

• Fran Greig

• Chris Steeves

• Mavis Jesson

• Donna Lehman

I know there are many more of you out there. Thanks to all of you for your caring and compassion – it means a lot.

When mom retired from nursing in 1999, she wanted to move back to Peterborough to be closer to family and friends. At the time, mom was 65 and not sure what type of home she wanted to live in. She eventually decided to live out in the country on a little slice of heaven where there is lots of room for family and friends to visit. She always loved to have visitors.

Mom did quite a lot of travelling. She was not shy about driving long distances to visit family or new places with friends. She has been to many places including Vancouver, Alaska, PEI, Quebec City, Vienna, Boston, Florida, Rhode Island and Mexico several times. This is a testament of her independence.

Mom was also actively involved in many places around Peterborough:

The Folk Art Guild. She would often show me what she was painting. Her house is full of folk art– so is mine. So many members of the Guild came to her funeral and had such kind words to say about our mom. Thank you

Peterborough Probus. Mom would often tell me who she got to speak and what the topic was about. She made many close friends there - especially Bunny

Westdale United Church. Mom made many friends and helped with collections and often brought in some of her world famous baked stuff. She had not ben able to attend much the past few months but she did go in early May and she was glad she did.

I also wanted to mention a special thanks to a few people:

Her hairdresser, Linda Quackenbush who always kept my mom’s hair looking mighty fine. But more that, Linda was a dear friend of hers.

Mom’s cousin Fred Ross & his wife Marilyn – They were always ready and willing to help mom get to places or just stop in for a chat. Thank you so much.

Our late Uncle Jim’s partner, Lorraine Goodwin is a dear friend of our moms.

Mom’s brother, Uncle Bill & his wife Aunt Betty – They are very close to my mom, and with us. Uncle Bill was a pilot and always has a story at the ready, They and are a big part of our mom’s life, and ours too. Mom loves you both dearly and so do we. Thank you.

Mom’s sister, Aunt Helen and her husband Uncle Earl. There is so much I can say. Mom spent so much time with you over the years doing folk art, traveling, having us over for a swim, or just a pleasant visit on any given day. You gave our mom great joy and helped keep her going. Thank you so much.

Mom’s Son in Laws Lawlor and Eric both had a special bond with our mom.

Mom’s daughter in-law, my wife, Patricia….. Thank you so much for the love & kindness you gave my mom. Mom loves you so very much.

And her Grandchildren:

• Alex & his finance Tara

• Adam

• Samuel

• Vincent

• Oliver

• Kyler and

• Zane

7 Grandsons and No Granddaughters. I think Gramma would have liked a couple of granddaughters – But, that would have meant you would have a sister!

Actually, speaking from experience, having sisters is not all that bad. From changing your diapers to birthdays and trips to the movies, to playing games at her dining room table…….a big part of Gramma is inside your heart. Gramma loves you all so very much and she knows you loved her too. My son Samuel wanted me to tell you how happy Gramma made everyone and how much he appreciated everything she did for him, his brothers and all of her grandchildren. She always showed endless support. My son Vincent told me that even though he was very sad that she was gone, he was glad that she was able to see her husband again in heaven.

To my sisters - Pat and Kelly. I know that part of our mom lives inside of you. I can see it, hear it, and feel it. Although we are hurting, we will rely on each other as we come to terms with what has happened. We will laugh together again, many times. No brother is as fortunate as I.

To my mom – Some time ago I was thinking about what the best thing you ever gave me. What was the greatest present I ever got from you. It didn’t take long for me to answer that. My most treasured gift from you were your kind words of encouragement - I keep them with me wherever I go. Sometimes I slip, but it only takes me a moment to remember the things you have said and I am ok again. It has helped me become who I am. What I will miss most about you is the same thing that I still miss about dad. Not being able to turn to you.

When we were going through some of her things, we found note that our mom wrote. We thought it so beautiful and touching that we put it on the back of her Memory Card: 'If there ever comes a time when we can't be together, keep me in your heart and I'll stay there forever.'

Although we miss her, she would not want us to hang our heads in sorrow. She would want us want us to remember her fondly from time to time and carry on.You can see her smiling in the picture, smile back.

Please write a tribute if you wish. We will read them all - probably many, many times.

Thanks.

Scott