Jocelyn Claire McKiee of London, Ontario
June 28, 1928 – May 23, 2019
MCKIEE – Jocelyn Claire (née Martin)
Peacefully and surrounded by family, at Victoria Hospital, London, ON, on May 23, 2019, Jocelyn McKiee of London in her 91st year. Predeceased by G. Jay McKiee, father of Jane McKiee Cowan (Scott) and Jackson McKiee. Treasured Gran of Nick Cowan and Morgan Cowan. Jocelyn is survived by her sister Virginia Halpenny (John). She is predeceased by her parents Ray and Muriel Martin and brother Harold “Pepper” Martin, all of Wallaceburg, ON. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and many cherished friends.A gifted student, Jocelyn was a graduate of Ontario Ladies College, Whitby, ON (now Trafalgar Castle School) and Victoria College at University of Toronto. She had a flair for languages and was fluent in French and Spanish, both of which she taught when she moved to Simcoe, ON for her first teaching job at the Simcoe District High School in 1952. She met her husband Jay then and taught both of his younger brothers. Jocelyn and Jay were married in 1954 and raised their family together in Simcoe.After their marriage ended, Jocelyn moved to London in 1981 where she lived for the rest of her life. In both Simcoe and London Jocelyn demonstrated a keen interest in amateur theatre, with a particular flair for production. While Jocelyn had no desire to be on stage herself, her passion was to support the performers. Thanks to her creativity, tenacity and organizational talents she excelled at managing the myriad details involved behind the scenes and was always in high demand as a producer. Jocelyn was a member of the Simcoe Little Theatre, was on the Board of Directors of the Grand Theatre in London and was a life member of the London Community Players. She was for many years an effective Residents’ Council President at her retirement home. Jocelyn also gave her time to charitable pursuits and was proud to have reached the $1M donation goal for the Easter Seal Campaign in London during the year she was chairwoman.A woman of excellent taste, Jocelyn created a beautiful home for her family. Her extensive travels and appreciation for other cultures informed her personal style which was sophisticated, refined and occasionally daring. Coming full circle, Jocelyn returned to teaching with special focus on ESL for new Canadians. Her home was filled with many small gifts from students whose lives she enriched. These gifts and the many other memories shared by family, students and friends all paint a picture of a special woman who brought something unique into their lives.The family wishes to thank the staff of Waverley Retirement Residence, London, where she spent many happy years. Deep appreciation is also due to the nursing staff at Victoria Hospital, D6-300 ACE unit. Without exception everyone involved in Jocelyn’s care was kind, understanding and compassionate. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to London Community Players (www.palacetheatre.ca) or to the Humane Society London & Middle (www.hslm.ca). Cremation has taken place with thanks to FERRIS FUNERAL HOME, Simcoe, ON for their assistance. A private Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. Online condolences at www.ferrisfuneral.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jocelyn Claire McKiee of London Ontario June 28 1928 May 23 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Simcoe, Province: Ontario