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Mary Jane McKiel didn’t just nurse people back to health — she also nursed houses back to health.
Mary Jane, known to all as MJ, had just met the guy who would become her husband when she started the nursing program at Kingston General Hospital. Three years later, she graduated as the class valedictorian.
Upon graduation, MJ — who died on June 5 at 75 years of age — landed a job at Peterborough General Hospital and married Dave.
The couple moved to Brockville next, where she cared for her first house in need of help.
They lived in a 100-year-old country home that needed major renovations. At the same time, the family was on a tight budget with the birth of their child Maggie, followed by Andy 18 months later and Sarah 18 months after that.
As MJ’s family says, she “was up for the challenge” and rolled up her sleeves for the nine years they lived in the house.
They then moved to London, where her husband finished his business education, before moving to Mississauga, Richmond, back to Mississauga and, finally, to Winnipeg.
Somehow, during these moves, MJ was able to complete a science degree, work a part-time job, and look after her family.
Despite saying “never again,” the family moved into another century house on Grosvenor Avenue and began another major renovation project while MJ worked her dream job: overseeing nursing during the off-shifts at what was then Misericordia General Hospital. She was even part of the ultimately unsuccessful effort to stop the government from closing the hospital and turning it into a health centre.
The family uprooted once again and moved to Vancouver Island in 1998 where MJ again nursed another home along — but this time a new one — supervising the construction of their home near Victoria.
Despite the hundreds of decisions MJ had to make — or maybe it was because of the hundreds of decision she made — this became her dream home.
MJ lived a busy and active life until she began experiencing health issues exacerbated when she slipped and fell at a pool in Banff five years ago.
The family says even though her health declined in recent years, “she never lost her sense of determination and independent spirit.”
MJ is survived by her husband, three children and six grandchildren.
Read more about Mary Jane.
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How They Lived
Ariel Glinter graduated with a psychology degree before going to law school.
Ariel, who was 36 when he died on June 11, practiced law for three years before he joined Maqabin Distributors, the company which owns The Joint cannabis shops.
He was the company’s director of business development and regulatory compliance.
Read more about Ariel.
Linda Kisil was hired as a clerk by the Winnipeg Police Service in 1973.
Three years later, Linda, who died on June 16 at 70 years old, became a constable. On March 29, 1987, she made history by being the first woman to be promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Linda retired in 2002.
Read more about Linda.
Allan MacDonald was an analyst with Imperial Oil before deciding to go back to school.
Allan, who was 91 when he died on June 7, went to Osgoode Hall Law School to become a lawyer.
He returned to Winnipeg, worked in private practice and volunteered on several boards and committees.
Allan was appointed by the provincial government as chairman of the Taxicab Board in 1987.
Read more about Allan.
Tammy Dunbar was a veterinarian in Carman and Portage.
But after hours, Tammy, who died on June 11 at 61 years old, worked with skaters and dogs.
She judged local, provincial and national levels of figure skating, served as Skate Manitoba chairwoman and was president of the Newfoundland Dog Clubs of Manitoba.
Read more about Tammy.
Margaret McCowan’s lifelong dream was to be a painter — and at age 45 she became one.
Margaret, who was 94 when she died on June 3, joined the Forum Art Institute where, over 48 years, she created award-winning works and volunteered in several roles, including board chairwoman.
Her work hangs in both civic and provincial offices, as well as private collections.
Read more about Margaret.
A Life’s Story
Eddie Dearden lived up to his nickname “Steady Eddie.”
Eddie, who died on March 29 at 96 years old, was working at CP Rail when he began freelancing sports stories to the Winnipeg Tribune. He left the rail company when he was hired by the Trib full-time and was quickly promoted to assistant sports editor.
Ed Dearden working at the Winnipeg Tribune. (Supplied photo)
Eddie later covered the original Winnipeg Jets for the newspaper and provided colour commentary of the games for CJOB. When the newspaper folded, he was hired by the province to become the media co-ordinator for the sports branch of the provincial government.
“He was a wonderful guy, a true gentleman and a kind human being who loved his work,” said former CJOB sports director Bob Irving.
Read more about Eddie’s life here.
Until next time, I hope you continue to write your own life’s story.
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