Obituary of Jill Marie McKenzie

With broken hearts and profound sadness our family announces the passing of our guiding light. Jill is survived by the love of her life, Robin; daughters, Lisa McDonald (Patti McDonald) and Shari Schultz (Kevin Paventi); granddaughters, Juniper, Ruth and Aspen; as well as numerous extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Always a friendly, radiant smile and a helping hand for anyone that needed one, Mom made kindness and assisting people, her life's work. After training as a Dental Assistant, she seamlessly took on her proud role as a stay-at-home Mom. Once we were older and more independent, Mom naturally transitioned back into the workforce and had a very successful 20+ year career as an Education/Special Education Assistant with the Regina Public School Board. Mom touched and shaped many lives throughout her career and, though she was very humble, the pride and joy Jill took in all her different roles throughout her life always shone through; she was always an invaluable asset to everyone.

Mom made "Live, Laugh, Love" her personal mantra and perfectly executed it in everything that she did. Ferociously protective of those she loved, Mom was never shy with her affections and adored Papa and "her girls", Lisa, Shari, Juniper, Ruth and Aspen. As long as her people were happy and healthy, all was right in the world. Mom worked tirelessly to make everyone around her feel special, happy and appreciated; she was always just a phone call away and the first one to show up when she was needed. Mom was a master quilter, card maker and cross stitch champion who put her whole heart (and always some blood, sweat and tears) into creating one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone she thought deserving; her hands were rarely still. Mom loved to laugh and especially enjoyed the constant quips, gags, memes and inside jokes that we all shared with her, just to hear her laugh. None of us will ever forget her saying, "l love you to the moon and back" to her special angels, or "l love you more" to the rest of us, always followed by the warmest hug.

Mom and Dad were best friends/two peas in a pod for 46 beautiful years. It was rare to see one without the other. She adored going on adventures with him, riding on the back of the motorcycle (even if just for a light nap) and cherished her time at the lake with her family because it created special memories for all of us and made her feel close to her Nanny & Papa Heier, whom she always held so fondly in her heart. Never one to shy away from a big project or hard work, Mom was affectionately referred to as "Vanna" and was the best lifetime assistant Dad could have ever asked for.

Mom, we treasured you and we will most certainly cherish you safely in our hearts, forever. We know that you are the brightest and most beautiful star in the sky, watching closely over all of us. Thank you for all the love, dedication, patience, humour, comfort and support that you so selflessly provided us all with.

Until we meet again, we love you more!

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Hello everyone! Mom’s Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Canadian Italian Club, 2148 Connaught Street, Regina, SK

 

Please come prepared to Live, Laugh and Love with us as we celebrate Mom’s beautiful life and share memories and remembrances of her; attendee’s are welcome to step on up to the mic and share their own fond memories and stories.

 

For anyone who is planning to attend an RSVP to mckjilly@hotmail.com would be appreciated prior to Monday, May 1, 2023, so that we can provide the Club with approximate numbers for food and beverage service.