Obituary of Margaret Jennifer McKinney
Jennifer McKinney (Wesenhagen)
Jennifer McKinney, born Margaret Jennifer McKinney on January 5, 1936 in Penrith, England, to William and Catherene McKinney, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 23, 2023 in Windsor, Ontario.
Jennifer's life began surrounded by the fells, becks, and stone walls of Cumbria. Through her life on three continents, Jennifer's heart was always at Widewath Mill Farm where she spent the happiest times of her childhood visiting and working in the fields.
"Jenny Wren" to her beloved father, Jennifer felt the loss when he immigrated to South Africa to establish a new life for his family. After reuniting and living in Port Elizabeth for some of her young adult years, Jennifer immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. She went on to live in Montreal and then Toronto, which she loved, for most of her life. When Jennifer moved to Seasons Belle River retirement home a few years ago, she enjoyed unfailing and devoted care from her daughter Lise.
Jennifer was curious and passionate about learning; from classes at the University of Toronto to volunteering as a docent at the Art Gallery of Ontario to her ardent love of reading.
A loyal patron of Little Theatre in Toronto, Jennifer was often accompanied by her daughter Karin.
Always fiercely independent and determined, in all aspects of life, Jennifer was an enthusiastic solo traveller delighting in the museums and art galleries of London, England.
She enjoyed a passion for Formula One racing ignited by her son Chris. In younger years, she and Chris were companions on canoe trips in Group of Seven Country.
Jennifer possessed a work ethic to be admired and was an inspiration to her children in all that she achieved.
Her grandchildren know they were loved by her and how proud she was of each of them.
Jennifer is survived by her children Lise Anhorn (Steve), Chris Wesenhagen (Sue), Karin Borland (Bill), and her grandchildren Laura Jaarsma (Joe Dula), Emily Roussell (Matt), Cassandra Mellow (Drew), Graeme Borland and Malcolm Borland. Also her beloved great-grandaughter Georgia Jaarsma. She was pre-deceased by her sister-in-law Elizabeth McKinney and is survived by her brothers Bill McKinney and David McKinney (Sandra), nieces Catherene, Allison, Carolyn, and nephew Mark.
The family thanks all staff at Seasons Belle River, with a special thank you to Lyndsay, Bryane, Debbie, Shannon and Bobbie.
At Met Hospital, for their compassion and kindness, the family is thankful and grateful for Dr. Tremblay, Dr. Cassidy, nurses Randy, Amanda, Kristin, Ryan and Pete.
Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Dougall) 519-254-2585. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca