It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long time Salmon Arm resident Amalia "Molly" MacKay on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in the palliative ward at Bastion Place. Born on June 10, 1932, she was 1 of 11 children of Adam and Rose Miller, raised on the family farm in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. As a young woman in the 1950's Molly headed west, living with her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Tina Miller, in Medicine Hat, Alberta and worked in retail. Later, she moved to Edmonton and was employed in clerical work there. Eventually, she made her way to Salmon Arm where she stayed with her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Ed Pinske. It was here that she also met the Pinske's neighbour in North Broadview, Glen MacKay, who would become her life partner. The couple were married on March 26, 1959, and after briefly renting in Mara, moved to a house on Metford Road in South Canoe where they raised their young family: David (1959), Susan (1961), and Barry (1965). In 1966, Molly and Glen moved to their current home on Martin Road (10th Avenue S.E.) where she ran the family home while Glen worked hard in the logging industry. During these years she took great pride in making our family very secure and happy.
Molly and our family were overcome with great sadness in 1977 with the tragic loss of David in a water skiing accident. Despite her profound grief, she was still able to pass on an enduring love and support for us in the following years as care for her family was always the one priority throughout her life, providing home support, counsel or simply a sympathic ear. As many who knew her would agree, Molly had sincere and authentic values that were augmented by a refreshing candour and a fine sense of humour.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Glen, her daughter Susan (Ron) VanderZwan, her son Barry (Cathy MacArthur), and her grandchildren Adam and Kaitlyn VanderZwan. She is also survived by one brother, Frank (Doris) Miller of New Westminster, B.C.; and her sister Margaret (Matt) Schmaltz of Beiseker, Alberta; her sisters-in-law Darlene Miller of Camrose, Alberta; and Berniece (Clayton) Ruddick of Chilliwack, B.C., along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours.
In honouring her specific wishes, only a graveside ceremony will be held with immediate family members present, after which her ashes will be interred at her son David's gravesite. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Molly's memory may make a donation to the Women's Shelter in Salmon Arm or a charity of their choice.
For their care and support we would like to thank Bowers Funeral Home, Dr. Weicker, Lorraine Prosser, Elaine Thuncher, and the staffs of the Salmon Arm Medical Clinic, Shuswap Lake General Hospital, and Bastion Place. Special thanks to Mom and Dad's immediate neighbours Larry and Ena Viers and Joyce Lank for all their friendship and help with our parents, especially in the final few months. Finally, we would like to acknowledge Mom's nephew, Wayne Humphries, for his loving support to Mom over many years.
“The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 3:18
Online condolences can be sent through Molly’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service Salmon Arm, BC