MACKENZIE, GWENDOLYN RUTH (nee CROSS)

     Wendy MacKenzie passed away peacefully at Tomkins House hospice in Penetanguishene on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Life partner and beloved wife of Dr. John MacKenzie, dear mom to Gordon and Rosemary (Vancouver) and Ian and Marcy (Montreal), and cherished "Nanny" to grandchildren Hannah, Alyson, Linden and Cameron.

A longtime resident of Elmvale and more recently Penetanguishene, Wendy was born in 1934 to Gordon and Olive Cross (Pearce), and alongside her older sister Patricia ("Tish") was raised a northerner in South Porcupine, Ontario, where Gordon Cross was the pharmacist at Pearce-Cross Pills and Things. Wendy trained in nursing at Toronto General Hospital, forming lifelong bonds with nursing friends and eventually meeting John, originally of Victoria Harbour and then a U of T medical student. After marriage and residencies in Toronto and Sudbury, John and Wendy moved to Elmvale where they raised a family and made dear friends; Dr. John practiced family medicine in the village for 37 years. Wholly committed to the sunny side of the street, Wendy was appreciated by all for her energy, sharp wit, generosity and sparkling smile and laughter. She loved directing holiday family get-togethers, traveling widely with John, skiing at Alpine in Collingwood with the gang, tending to her beautiful gardens, visiting Vancouver and Montreal in later years to see the kids and grandkids - and was never without a good book on the go. Wendy also devoted years of public service to the Simcoe County Board of Education as a volunteer, trustee and finally board chairperson.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Julie Caron and the staff and nurses at Huronia Hospice/Tomkins House. Donations to Tomkins House in Wendy's memory would be welcomed.