Rob, Jim and Bill
Rory and I want to extend our sincere sympathy in the passing of your loved one. You mom was a strong woman a wonderful and caring nurse and a dedicated wife and mother. Rest in peace Mrs. Mackay.
MACKAY, Aino
1923 - 2022
It is with great sadness that the Mackay family announce the passing of Aino Kyllikki Mackay (nee Viitanen), on October 21, 2022, age 99, Mother of Jim (USA), Bill (Australia) and Rob (Canada), Mother- in-law to Nancy, Anna and Marilyn, Grandmother to CJ, Kristin, John, James and Great-Grandmother to seven Great-Grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband Don in 2010.
Aino was born in Finland and came to Cochrane in Northern Ontario as a young child, grew up there, and married her highschool and lifelong love, Don, in 1946. She remained fiercely proud of her Finnish heritage and the contribution that the Viitanen family made to the Cochrane community. Aino graduated from Cochrane High School with top marks and completed a Nursing Degree at Ottawa Civic Hospital. Aino practised her profession as a bedside nurse, running the ER department, and teaching Nursing Studies in both South Porcupine and the TriTown, while raising three active sons. Aino was devoted to Don and family, including grandchildren and great grandchildren as they arrived. For that we are all eternally grateful.
She was a keen gardener, an accomplished seamstress, an avid reader, and an astute bridge player. In her later years, she embraced technology, enrolled in several computer classes, and would read all the daily newspapers online, always keeping up with current affairs. She and Don loved living on Lake Temiskaming and would sail whenever possible. Never one to mince words, Aino had strong views but at the same time, a good sense of humour and a sharp wit, that those closest to her saw often. Above all, Aino was resilient. Up until the time of her death, Aino spent many hours counseling breast cancer patients with encouragement and positivity.
She told her grandchildren, “If you take care of your garden, your garden will take care of you.” Aino living to 99 years of age is a testament to that statement. The Mackay family would like to thank the Temiskaming Hospital staff for Aino’s care in her final years of life.
Aino will be buried next to Don, as she wanted, and private memorials will take place within each family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Write your sympathies or tribute