MCKAY, Yvonne Mary

Yvonne Mary McKay, born July 1, 1926, in Sydney, NS, passed away May 6, 2022, surrounded by her children. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Clarice Burke and was predeceased by her daughter, Suzanne Elizabeth in infancy; sisters, Mary Rooney, Claire Crofton, Rita Burke, Eileen Burke and Dorothy Cox; and brother, Fred Burke. Yvonne grew up on the Esplanade and graduated from Holy Angels High School. She had a long career at the CIBC in Sydney River, where she made many good friends and seemed to know everybody. A “quick” trip to the grocery store would sometimes take hours. She could often be seen zooming around town in her silver VW Beetle with a fur hat on and a daisy in the flower holder. She was quite the sight! Once retired, mom kept very busy travelling, playing bridge, visiting, baking, and relaxing at her little piece of heaven, the Big Pond bungalow, where she loved nothing more than getting together with friends and family, ideally over a nice meal (preferably lobster!), or a game of cards. She never tired of the spectacular Big Pond sunsets, especially with some Neil Diamond music in the background. Yvonne had lots of great friends and was a blessing to all who knew her, but she was first and foremost, a wonderful mother. We will miss her greatly and remember her fondly, but happily, she is now reunited with her family. She was extremely proud and fiercely protective of her four children, Bruce (Carolyn), Brian (Linda), Geoff (Shelene), and Jennifer (Kevin). She loved her 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Alana, Jillian, Barret, Madyson, Simone, Connor, Logan, Grace and Emily and was so proud of her seven great-grandchildren. She could often be heard sharing her favourite words of wisdom with anyone who would listen, “Be kind and good to each other” and “Life is beautiful!”. Special thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at Harbourstone (Soldiers Cove) and her amazing daughter-in-law, Carolyn, who diligently cared for her over the last number of years and enabled her to look and feel her best right up to the end. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. A celebration of Yvonne’s life will take place at a later date. Donations in Yvonne’s honour may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Hospice Cape Breton. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.