Obituary of Barbara Jean McKay

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, of Windsor, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 in Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth. Born October 30, 1928, she was the last surviving daughter of the late Joe and Annie (Hayes) Dill.

Mom was born in Windsor but spent her entire adult life in Brooklyn, Hants County, with her partner and love of her life, Jim.

She is survived by children, Debi McKay, Lynda (Grant) Veinot, Pam McKay (John Edgecombe) and Grant (Holly) McKay; as well as 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband, James McKay; son, Jimmy McKay and daughter, Wendy McKay-White.

Mom was a Public Health Nurse for most of her career and through her profession, travelled a great deal, becoming very well-known at all the schools in the county. Besides her nursing career, she and dad ran a successful ceramic shop for years where she taught many, many people to tole paint. She was also a very talented painter, seamstress, baker and a very accomplished knitter. All of her grandchildren and many of her great-grandchildren benefited from her talents with gifts of hats, mittens and socks for many years.

Mom spent a great amount of time with her grandchildren and she and dad took them on many day trips and camping trips. They loved to camp and one of the most memorable trips taken was across Canada to Alaska and then to California to visit relatives.

Mom was very active with St. James Anglican Church in Brooklyn and was also a Lifetime Achievement Award winner from the Canadian Cancer Society for all her efforts with years of the daffodil campaign.

Our mother was a fiery, feisty, independent, proud, stubborn woman who didn’t show a great deal of emotion but loved hugs from all and especially from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May she be surrounded by hugs always.

Thanks to the staff on Fundyview 1 at the Windsor Elms and a very special thanks to her bubbles buddy, Laura and her special friend, Ralph (she loved you both dearly).

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A graveside service and celebration of life will be held 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 27 in St. James Anglican Cemetery, Dunlop Rd., Brooklyn, Celebrant Helen Lindsay officiating (please bring a chair and umbrella if you require one). A reception and time for reflections will follow at Pam and John’s home. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barb may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 5826 South St., Halifax, NS B3H 1S6 or a charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.