Obituary of Donna Mae McKay

How do you measure the 87 years of a life well lived?

In the baskets shot on the packed earth of the backyard and retrieved by a kid brother, in the duct-taping of a broken leg, in the flames of shared campfires, shared laughter and stories, in the playing of cards, the notes played on a piano, in the number of international events observed in the early hours of morning with family, in the throwing of horseshoes, the holding of babies, the exchange of hugs, the stacking of wood or stooking of hay, in the pride of being the first girl in the congregation to go to university, the fleetness of feet - the fastest woman in Canada, the words shared with friends, the tender touches of a husband, the number of students taught - especially those who waited until high school to learn to read, in loving teacups full of kindness and the wrinkles from welcoming smiles, number of ski runs, golf balls, campsites, trips, photographs, songs sung in unison, poems created to celebrate others, in birthday cakes, Miller Lake breakfasts, coffee cruises, happy hours and cheeseboards, teapots, rings, butter tarts, and carpet balls, raw oysters … in the beauty of the words daughter, sister, wife, aunt, friend … “hey mom”, “ I love you Gramma:”

Donna Kelly was born on November 22, 1938, into a loving family that supported her in chasing and achieving her dreams in education, sports and more.  Donna found her teammate in all things when she met George, and together they lived and loved through 55 years of marriage.

Donna is now with George, and she leaves behind a fun-loving, camping, cottaging, skiing and adventure-seeking crew of children: Kelly and Jim Millard of London, Ontario; Kerry and Scott Dixon of Mount Forest, Ontario; and Paul and Bridget McKay of Brookville, Ontario. Lovingly remembered and missed by her seven grandchildren: Jessica, Josh and Chloe, Noah, Isabel, Jaikie, Lexie and Callum.  Lovingly remembered by her little brother Larry Kelly, and his wife Jeanne of Kitchener and by many nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by her parents Jim and Lorene Kelly of Kitchener, Ontario, and her parents-in-law George and Cassie McKay of Wyoming, Ontario.  

We will always love you, Mom!

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. 

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Memorial United Church, 91 Gruhn Street, Kitchener, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2 p.m., with visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Donna would appreciate any donations to: Community Ministry and Outreach Ministry of Calvary United Church may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.