Alyce Mae Dunn McKinnon

Alyce Mae Dunn McKinnon

On November 19, 2019 Alyce Mae Dunn McKinnon, of Gimli, peacefully slipped away from this earthly life into the arms of her Lord Jesus in her 93rd year.

Alyce was born in the house on her family’s farm near Russell Manitoba on February 28, 1926, to parents, Mary Edith and William.H.Dunn. Her dad always said the owls brought Alyce because they where in the barn on the night she was born. She cherished memories of growing up with her sisters and brother and cousins from Minniska all who remained dear to her heart for her whole life, as did their families. She was very proud of her Irish heritage.

After high school Alyce moved to Winnipeg and attended Success Business College studying bookkeeping. Alyce married Rainie Pryce McKinnon on February 27, 1946 in the United Church they both attended growing up in Russell. She was lovingly devoted to him for nearly 68 years and even after his passing in 2014, he was never far away in her heart and thoughts till the end.  

 Alyce and Rainie moved to The Pas and started their family. Alyce worked teaching kindergarden, baking pies at Allards store and then in the payroll department at St. Anthony's Hospital. At age 42, Rainie had a calling to the ministry of the United Church and Alyce was steadfast in supporting both our family and this second career which spanned 40 years, serving several Manitoba communities.

Besides her job being an amazing full time mom and grandma, Alyce worked for Lakeshore school division as a bookkeeper in Eriksdale, taught accounting in Pierson High school, completed a social services program at ACC in Brandon at age 50, worked as a recreation coordinator at Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone and for Statistics Canada in Steeprock. Alyce and Rainie retired to Gimli and enjoyed many days of golf, their church, choirs and community. Mom was always a generous volunteer with her time and spirit. Her smile and genuine kind and friendly nature was always with her and she related to both young and old.

Connecting with family and friends and keeping them close was always a priority to mom/grandma. She had a special individual bond with each of us in her own way and provided unconditional love, but was not afraid to provide you with her expectations! She was our constant cheerleader, our bible Google and first “text” friend;  leaving scripture readings and motivational sayings taped to our bathroom mirror growing up, where you where sure not to miss them! Even in recent years as dementia gradually overtook her abilities, her trademark mannerisms, loving mothering, wit and charm was still able to shine through. Her lifelong faith, prayerfulness and Christian witness never wavered.

Alyce was predeceased by her husband Rainie, daughter Shannon, son-in-law Clarence Lucyshyn, sisters Irene and brother-in law Edward Chadwick, Reta Kollman and brother Bill Dunn, as well as her mother and father in law Jack and Jennetta McKinnon and brother and sister in laws, Nelson (Myrtle), Garfield (Janet), Don (Ev) and Pete (Peggy).

 She leaves to cherish her memories, children Bill (Judy), Rob (Lilliane), Bruce (Candace), and Maureen (Jim). Grandchildren, Lyle (Charity), Jill (Scott), Evan (Erin), Aaron, Heather (Horace), Brent, Alicia (Craig), Kristen, Lisa (Dale) and Lisa and Jason Longley. Great grandchildren Nathan, Elsa, Tiffany, Kaitlyn (Rodney), Orrin (Madison), Jarrett (Mallory), Jake, McKenzie, Kiera, Emily, Adam, Peter, Juliana, Nicholas, Luke, Anitra (Alex) and Autumn. Great great grandchildren Hayden and Jayden, sister-in-law Eva along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff and volunteers of Betel Home Gimli and previous homecare providers for their genuine compassionate and exemplary care and concern for Alyce and our family. We where blessed to have placed her in your caring hands when she needed you. Thanks also to the compassionate staff of the Gimli Community Health Center and EMS for their care and concern for Alyce and support of our family.  

In lieu of cards and flowers; donations can be made to the Gimli Lutheran Church, Box 118 Gimli Mb R0C 1B0

“Give us a one ring’er mom”

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gimli Lutheran Church with Pastor Rick Schulz officiating.

Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

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