Obituary of Esta McKinley (nee Doherty)

After a life well lived, at the amazing age of 93, we announce the peaceful passing of Esta McKinley of Waterloo, Ontario who passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.  Esta was born in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1931.  She met her husband Colin at the infamous Carinthian Ballroom in Londonderry while Colin was serving in the Royal Armed Forces.  Esta trained as a nurse in England but went on to other professional endeavours where she more recently worked for NCR, the Optometry Department and the University of Waterloo and Saint David’s Catholic High School, also in Waterloo. 

Esta’s communication style was direct – you always knew where you stood with her.  She was always willing to stand up to others and speak for those that were not able to do so.  Her family, friends, and colleagues loved her for this because she was kind and had strong work ethic.  In her retirement years, Esta enjoyed spending time around the house and in her garden.

Esta is preceded in death by her father, Christopher, her mother, Bridie (Ash) and her husband, Colin.  She is also preceded in death by her three siblings – Edmund Doherty, Mona Spragg, and Myra Wade, her nieces Anne, Marie, and her nephew Neil.  She is survived by her nephews Chris, Ted, Raymond, Desmond, Brian, Mona, Michael, Gerard, and John of Australia and her nephews Brian, John, Stephen, Kevin and Chris of Canada. She will be dearly missed by all for her candour, sense of humour, stories, and kindness.

The family extends its appreciation for her friends and neighbours who all helped to keep both Esta and Colin in their home for as long as possible.  Also, “thanks” to the terrific staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and Lisaard & Innisfree House who all ensured she received the best compassionate care possible.

A mass will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church, 53 Allen St. E., Waterloo on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.  Following the mass, guests are invited back to the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo for a lunch. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society would be appreciated and may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.