Anna Helen Mackay, 1912 – 2012

 

 

Globeandmail.com. Globe life/Deaths March 31,2012


Anna joined the celestial choir and was united with treasured family and friends on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 in her 100th year. She was born and grew up in Tamsui, Formosa (Taiwan), the eldest daughter of Presbyterian missionary parents, George William Mackay and Jean Ross Mackay. She is predeceased by her brother Leslie (WWII) and is survived by her siblings Ross, Isabel and Margaret, nieces Anne Mackay and Leslie Jenkins and great niece and nephew Michelle and Mark Jenkins. Their grandfather, the legendary George Leslie Mackay, was the first Canadian missionary to Formosa (Taiwan) and he established some of the first medical clinics and a school for girls. Anna enjoyed a childhood swimming (her favourite was the sidestroke), hiking and family outings in the mountains. At first, Anna was homeschooled by her mother and later she attended the Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan as a boarder, where she fondly remembered playing volleyball. After being home in Canada on furlough, Anna completed her high school at Branksome Hall in Toronto, where she enjoyed her scholastics and participated in gymnastics. After graduation, Anna attended Normal School in Toronto and was then asked to start a nursery school at Knox Presbyterian Church, where she taught for the next 18 years. Anna then moved to the public school system, where she often taught 2 classes a day - 30 pupils per class! Anna LOVED children and LOVED teaching!! Anna lived for many years with her sister Margaret on Spadina Road. Together they initiated a Block Watch program and helped to build a feeling of community in their apartment block. Over the years, Anna was very involved at Knox, playing the piano, singing in the choir, helping in the library, decorating the bulletin board and participating in many church events. Anna loved to visit with friends and family from near and far and loved to share a cup of tea with each and every one. Friends will be received at Morley Bedford Funeral Services (159 Eglinton Avenue West, 2 lights west of Yonge Street), on Monday, April 2, 2012, from 2 - 4 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. If desired, donations made to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

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Memorial Service Handout.