Yvonne Mary McKay, born July 1, 1926, in Sydney, NS, passed away May 6, 2022, surrounded by her children.
She was the daughter of the late Fred and Clarice Burke and was predeceased by her daughter, Suzanne Elizabeth in infancy; sisters, Mary Rooney, Claire Crofton, Rita Burke, Eileen Burke and Dorothy Cox; and brother, Fred Burke.
Yvonne grew up on the Esplanade and graduated from Holy Angels High School. She had a long career at the CIBC in Sydney River, where she made many good friends and seemed to know everybody. A “quick” trip to the grocery store would sometimes take hours.
She could often be seen zooming around town in her silver VW Beetle with a fur hat on and a daisy in the flower holder. She was quite the sight!
Once retired, mom kept very busy travelling, playing bridge, visiting, baking, and relaxing at her little piece of heaven, the Big Pond bungalow, where she loved nothing more than getting together with friends and family, ideally over a nice meal (preferably lobster!), or a game of cards. She never tired of the spectacular Big Pond sunsets, especially with some Neil Diamond music in the background.
Yvonne had lots of great friends and was a blessing to all who knew her, but she was first and foremost, a wonderful mother. We will miss her greatly and remember her fondly, but happily, she is now reunited with her family.
She was extremely proud and fiercely protective of her four children, Bruce (Carolyn), Brian (Linda), Geoff (Shelene), and Jennifer (Kevin). She loved her 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Alana, Jillian, Barret, Madyson, Simone, Connor, Logan, Grace and Emily and was so proud of her seven great-grandchildren.
She could often be heard sharing her favourite words of wisdom with anyone who would listen, “Be kind and good to each other” and “Life is beautiful!”.
Special thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at Harbourstone (Soldiers Cove) and her amazing daughter-in-law, Carolyn, who diligently cared for her over the last number of years and enabled her to look and feel her best right up to the end.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. A celebration of Yvonne’s life will take place at a later date.
Donations in Yvonne’s honour may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Hospice Cape Breton.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Gramma Yvonne
There was a lot we all remember about Gramma Yvonne –
Here’s a list of our memories now that she’s gone…
She was a stern little woman who loved her work and her life,
She wanted the best for everyone and to put aside any strife.
She was a Mom, a baker, a card player, an earth shaker!
Travel and shopping, she’d be your part-taker!
She wore fashionable clothes all the years through –
I’ll never forget that carpet of blue.
The Hummels were considered some of her biggest treasures –
But it was summers in big pond that gave the greatest pleasures.
She’d say, “Sunsets in Big Pond are the absolute best!”
The little shack called the “Bungalow” made us truly feel blessed.
Listening to the kids play kick the can in the dark –
Little things like that brought happiness to her heart.
A lady at Bridge but also a Scat card slayer…
She took a line drive to the shin once trying to be a ball player!
Bingo and the Casino were a favourite pastime –
She had to ban herself from spending a dime!
The red Toyota, upgraded to “the Bug”
Her heavy foot, she’d try to sweep under the rug.
Gramma had a thing about doing what she liked –
She could be stern and stubborn but lobster got her psyched!
Her chocolate cream squares might be considered her best food –
It was Gramma that showed us the best sleep was “in the nude.”
Neil Diamond and Rita were totally her musical jam!
She believed in learning to speak French, Oh that Madame!
As a true lady, she liked to keep her age hidden,
She made biting my nails seem strictly forbidden.
Playing on the beach during our big trip to Maui –
And a few rough waves gave Gramma an owie!
We stood there laughing as she tumbled and rolled,
It sounds mean now but trust me, it was a sight to behold!
I remember before bed she’d have us kneel down and pray,
She wanted us and dear Jesus to “be as one” you could say…
I think it had to do with the mischief we caused –
But it’s moments like this that deserve an applause.
Because she spent the time teaching her most valuable beliefs –
And that’s what should be remembered in times of our grief.
Her time with us is not ours anymore –
So these memories become Gramma’s encore.
Rest In Peace Gramma Yvonne.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Yvonne Mary McKay 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia