I first met Maureen Mackay in Montreal in 1977 when she was only 25 years old. I immediately got intrigued by her engaging personality and learnt years down the road that what I saw on the first sight is the one and only Maureen Mackay I was to be friend with for the rest of her life.

Our business association did not start until 1997, a full twenty years after our first meeting. Needless to say that the client/broker relationship we were to entertain was a special  connection that made our respective professional and family life so much easier. We were one another’s confident.
We both came from humble backgrounds that allowed us to communicate effortlessly and travel the world over, either on business or on vacation with a lot of  pleasure, hence all the memories we shared. “So many memories ” she told  Lise and I the last time we saw her on her hospital bed; indeed so many treasured memories we now have to carry with us.

Her lack of formal education went unnoticed unless she  brought  it up  herself, as her English proficiency and her intellect were second to none in the Reinsurance industry we covered together the world over.

To say that my family will miss Maureen Mackay is an understatement. She taught us how to overcome adversity and lay down peacefully if such is your fate, no complaints, no tears, no bitterness, just fight with all your might and in the end how to accept god’s will by bowing SAYONARA.

– The Dabos, with Love for Ever !

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing away of our beloved Maureen. Maureen was our dearest friend of 26 years. She was one of the first Canadians we met and who opened her arms to embrace us as her own family. Since then we have always felt as being part of her family and we shared many wonderful times together. Maureen was also there for us in times of need, helped us face adversities and the difficult moments of life. She was a very special human being, with a very big heart and a great deal of generosity, a reliable and trustworthy person. She had high moral standards and had a special understanding for all those in need. With her we always felt at ease.

Maureen’s premature departure left us with a big hole. We were lucky to have known her and be best friends. Knowing her, she would not have wanted any of us to grieve but to celebrate her life and enjoy every day on this earth. We are together with you in celebrating her wonderful accomplishments, her strong spirit and determination. Therefore we smile for her wiping away a tear.

– Nacuta Family

I will miss Aunt Maureen, she is an amazing lady who touched so many peoples lives in many ways.  I loved her outlook on life, her compassion for people and the respect she would give you when she first met you.  I thank you Maureen for being a great person who welcomed me into the family with open arms and a huge smile.

– John Mattson

Maureen, I am completely in awe of your indestructible spirit. Through cancer and now multiple strokes, you have maintained a quiet dignity and an outlook on life that I can only describe as inspirational. You have never avoided the truth of your situation and neither have you let it overwhelm your life. Through it all, you have cared about the well-being of others – making sure that they are well and well fed – and have shared your wisdom in subtle, sometimes unspoken, ways. Coming from the hospital today, I realise you have taught me something once again. In your clearly unclear speech, you showed me to never give up. Things take time and sometimes that requires patience through all of the frustration. There is hope, there is always hope. A person is not their body but their spirit, and that what you say and what you do has always been an expression of the amazing spirit that you are. You spoke to me of time yesterday and while I did not understand every single word, I believe I understood. Time is precious and time is fleeting. Too short to waste on people or things that do no matter. And family matters. I am sorry that I waited so long to tell you that I love you because I do. Maureen, I love you. You are an inspiration…

– Letter from Liane O’Keefe

God looked around his garden

And He found an empty place

He then looked down upon the earth

And saw Mo’s precious face.

He put His arms around her

And lifted her to rest;

God’s Garden must be beautiful

He always takes the best.

He knew that she was suffering

He knew she was in pain

He knew she would never ever

Get well on earth again.

So He closed her weary eyelids

And whispered “Peace be thine”

Then He took her up to Heaven

With Hands so gentle and kind.

It broke our hearts to lose her

But she did not go alone,

For part of us went with her

The day God welcomed you home

– Jen and Al

We are both very sorry and sad to learn that Maureen has left us. We had such good memories of our last stay with you both and we had hoped to meet again soon.

I heard Raymonde cry as she was reading your email and was shocked when she told me the news. She and Maureen really got along so well since they both had that “strong hakka woman” character.

– Bernard and Raymonde

I have taken notice with very deep sadness that Maureen has gone. A certain comfort for all of us that her journey, particularly the last days, came to a peaceful end. Gary, to you and your families I herewith express my deep sympathy and I can really feel how painful it is to loose such a wonderful wife. In more than 25 years of our friendship, I was always looking forward to see and meet with her. We had always interesting and very nice discussions and there were also many possibilities to enjoy and to laugh. I remember particularly our last meeting we had in Lise and Amadou’s new home last September. Regarding to all of her difficult medical treatments she made a very positive impression to me.

– Dietrich

Gord and I are so sorry to hear of Maureen’s death. When we met the two of you in Mexico it was hard to believe that Maureen was even sick. Obviously her “can do” attitude played a huge part in her ability to live her life to the fullest in her recent time. Our deepest sympathy to you and yours and Maureen’s families.

– Carol Ann and Gord

It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing these words. I was so sorry to hear that Maureen has passed away and please accept my sincere sympathy. My thoughts are with you all at this time.

Of course I knew Maureen for many years when she and Lew did business together but I really got to know her on our trip to South Africa. We had a wonderful time together and I got to see and appreciate her many amazing qualities – she was smart, funny, caring and made sure we all had a fabulous time – which, as you know, we certainly did. On that trip, we met Maureen in Sun City as she had gone over a little earlier. I wasn’t in the room but 10 minutes when she told me about this amazing man named Gary she had met a little earlier. I am so happy that the amazing man named Gary turned out to be the love of her life and an amazing companion.

Please pass along my deepest sympathy to Sean and Tristan and please tell them that they are in my thoughts as well. With Love,

– Sandy

I’m so sad to hear of Maureen’s passing and you have both been in my thoughts generally and in particular since I heard about her medical setbacks. Since then, I’ve thought about her for long periods every single I’m so sad to hear of Maureen’s passing and you have both been in my thoughts generally and in particular since I heard about her medical setbacks. Since then, I’ve thought about her for long periods every single day and all I could picture was this beautiful woman so full of energy, vitality, and love. Every single image I had of her during this period was of her smiling face and sunny disposition.

She has been a long, faithful and loyal friend to every member of my family and so very kind and thoughtful to my parents. I heard how the two of you went to see my parents, accompanied by a thoughtfully purchased ‘take-out’. Maureen’s family lived next to my grandmother’s family in South Africa – they were neighbours.

My parents and my sisters told me how they saw you and Maureen earlier this year in Toronto, and how very well Maureen looked. She is very much in our hearts, and although I only saw her when visiting family in Toronto – I remember each occasion with very fond memories. I was also so pleased and happy for Maureen that she found a soul mate in you, and your love and admiration for her, and your mutual happiness shone through brightly whenever I saw you together.

Yes – Maureen lived life to the full with integrity and with an immense generosity of spirit. All I still see is that smiling face of hers, and for me, she is now a bright, shining star in the firmament.

Thank you for sharing your and Maureen’s uplifting journey, and for penning the final one on her behalf. My condolences, love and best wishes to you and Maureen’s family.

– Brenda (née Kim Sing)

We were deeply saddened to learn of Maureen’s passing.  She was a dear friend with a heart of gold, always selfless, always caring, always thoughtful, and generous of spirit.  I knew Maureen and her family, way back in South Africa

We met again in Toronto.  She was then a young mother with a husband, two young sons, and holding a very demanding job.  It is amazing how she managed to run a household, care for a husband and two young children, and still go out daily to work.    She was a phenomenon!

Maureen and Gary’s warmth, and caring attitude endeared them to us.     Oftentimes, when we were invited to their fabulous and elegant dinner parties,  (she was a consummate cook)  Maureen would have Gary pick us up at Kipling subway station and at party’s end,  drive us back to Scarborough, where our car was parked.   She was the epitome of kindness and concern for others, especially the elderly. 

Maureen, we shall always remember you with much love and affection.   You have bequeathed a legacy of courage, strength, stoicism and tenacity of purpose, in the face of tremendous odds and adversity.  You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.   Long may your memory live!   Rest in peace dear friend!

– Myrtle, James and Gaynor

Our entire family are so saddened by the passing of our dear and special friend Maureen. We met Maureen in Toronto in the late 70’s and were immediately taken by her amazing personality and generosity of spirit. Throughout the years  Maureen often entertained us,  each time introducing us to a new group of her many friends.  After each visit we always came away inspired by her ability to make everyone feel so very welcome. 

We will miss her beautiful smiling face and wonderful personality, always.

– Noel, Marlene, Dylan & Jade

It is with a deeply saddened heart that I extend my sincerest condolences on the loss of such an amazing woman.  Maureen and I worked together for 12 years.  She was not only a brilliant and well respected business woman, but above all she was a courageous, inspiring and caring human being.  Not a day went by that she would not say to me ‘Liz, are you taking care of yourself? Eating well? Not stressing? Because you have to take care of yourself so you don’t get sick again”.  Mo was so inspirational.  There was nothing she wasn’t ready to face head on – with strength, confidence and a smile on her face.  People like that are far and few, and I’m truly honoured to have had the pleasure of  having her in my life as a friend and as a mentor.  I will never lose sight of her words of encouragement, her strength and her smile. She was a successful woman in every sense of the word, and left a lasting impression with everyone she met.  May she rest in peace. 

– Liz Liberatore

What a remarkable woman !! What an extraordinary life !  She touched so many people. So profoundly. This memorial website is incredible. So beautiful,  My thoughts and prayers are with the family. All of us will never forget Maureen. She will always live in our hearts, in our minds.

– Howard

Marueen was an extraordinary woman, that I will always remember for “stopping to smell the roses”.  She always had a big beautiful smile, and the warmest hug when she greeted everyone.  She knew how to make you feel very special!  My thoughts and prayers are with Gary and Maureen’s family.  She is a rare treasure that will surely be missed in body, however will live on in our hearts!

– Debby

I knew Mo (could never think of her as Maureen!) from her early days at BEP and I always enjoyed working with her on reinsurance programmes, particularly the new and small companies where she took great, and justifiable, pride in helping them grow in a frequently difficult Canadian market.  Her professionalism and sheer hard work were exemplary.  But more than that she was a truly genuine and nice person – caring, interested in people, and a pleasure to be with on both business and personal levels.  I felt a large hole of sadness when Gary sent the final instalment of her journey – one she tackled with her ever-present determination and will.  Linda joins me in offering our sincere condolences to Gary and all Mo’s family and our gratitude for having has the chance to know Mo over the years.

– Linda and Angus Ross

I was so saddened to hear of Maureen’s  passing.
I met Maureen many years ago while working in Montreal. Then when I moved to Toronto in 1990, she was the first one to greet me at Aon’s offices in Toronto.
We enjoyed many girl luncheons and shopping sprees together during that time. It was always fun and uplifting to be with Maureen . She was so vibrant , so interesting and so caring.
It  is truly an honor to have known her.
Maureen has left her beautiful and inspirational footprints on so many.
Maureen was the portrait of dignity, beauty , intelligence & love.
The angels are now blessed with your outstanding spirit.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Gary, her boys , her family and all her dear friends .

– Eileen

Strangely enough Maureen suddenly popped into my mind on Friday and it occurred to me that I had not had an update for a while, which worried me. I had intended to sit down last night and write her a little note, I confess to not having been the best correspondent, but that is not to say I have not thought often about how she was doing.

Maureen was so brave and so upbeat and positive throughout this terrible disease, at least outwardly in her letters. It was her nature to fight on. I remember how she beat the first cancer, trying everything that might help her recover, and she succeeded. I remember too, when she came to the UK a few years ago and stayed with us for a couple of days, helping me in the garden, determined to get as much planting done as possible in the short time she was with us. I practically had to drag her indoors to sit down! I am sorry we were not able to see you both last September when we came for my son Cameron’s wedding, we missed each other by only a day I think.

Gary, now that the long fight is over, you will be feeling quite exhausted and drained, as this long battle will have taken its toll on you too. I am glad you have your daughters to support you and your good memories of Maureen. Alan and I will miss her.

– Josephine

I am happy to hear that much of the last two years were healthy and happy for her. I always loved seeing her on State Farm trips, and always loved her reaction when she saw our girls. “Oh, here are the Owens girls. I would recognize them anywhere.”

She is such a lovely woman, always smiling and happy. And in speaking with her I also know how accomplished and successful she was in her professional career. But so down to earth. She really made a wonderful impression on me.

– Trina

Thanks so much Gary for the beautiful journal. I love Maureen so much as she as my former boss and a very kind friend to me. I will always have her in my heart. I have shed tears this weekend thinking of the beautiful memories I’ve shared with her. She’s helped me in every way that she could. My sincerest sympathy and condolences to you, Sean, Tristan and the family of Maureen. It hurts so much to know that she’s no longer there. Maureen my dear, rest in peace, you’re at peace and with God now.

– Teresa

Des and I have been feeling so heart sick for you and the rest of the family these past few weeks.‎ Our only consolation is knowing that Maureen has now gone to take her place with the rest of the angels above. I am sure she will always be there watching over you all and will continue spreading her cheer from that higher perch.‎ May her soul rest in peace, Amen!‎

Gary, please accept our deepest condolences and know that we share in your loss. Maureen’s spirit was indeed indomitable and she will be remembered fondly by us.

– Elizabeth and Desmond DosRamos

I Could If They Would

If they would find a cure when I’m a kid

I could ride a bike and sail on rollerblades, and

I could go on really long nature hikes.

If they would find a cure when I’m a teenager¦

I could earn my license and drive a car, and

I could dance every dance at my senior prom.

If they would find a cure when I’m a young adult

I could travel around the world and teach peace, and

I could marry and have children of my own.

If they would find a cure when I’m grown old

I could visit exotic places and appreciate culture, and

I could proudly share pictures of my grandchildren.

If they would find a cure when I’m alive

I could live each day without pain and machines, and

I could celebrate the biggest thank you of life ever.

If they would find a cure when I’m buried into Heaven

I could still celebrate with my brothers and sister there, and

I could still be happy knowing that I was part of the effort.

– Mattie Stepanek

Maureen was a great and amazing family friend and her passing has left us with great sadness and heavy hearts. Words cannot describe the amazing person she was.  Her kindness, generosity, innate understanding, incredible optimism and passion for life no matter what the challenges will remain in our memory for ever. She was one in a million. We feel grateful to have been a part of her life and her family and she will forever be remembered in our hearts.

– Crystal and Brian

We wanted to express our sincere condolences for your loss. It was very heartbreaking for both of us to receive the news of Maureen’s passing from Amadou.

We can only imagine the incredible sense of loss you and the family are feeling at this time. She was an amazing person and an inspiration to us all.

I am so glad that she found the love of her life in you. It was such a feeling of joy for us when your lives came together.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time.

– Bob and Dawn

I can’t tell you how sorry I’m am and how devastated I feel right now. She was a beautiful person, with an extremely generous and loving soul and I shall miss her terribly. She was too young and vigorous to leave us, but I know she’ll be in God’s loving arms now and whole again.

Please extend my deepest condolences to Sean and Irina, Tristan and Alexa, and rest of her family in Australia.

– Jo

Thank you so much for sending the final journey update. I have very much appreciated yours and Maureen’s thoughtfulness in including me.

May I pass on to you personally my deepest condolences to you for this tragic loss. Maureen was a fighter as you say and it seems incredible that she is no longer with us – all the more so when I think back to the last time I saw her outside Tristan’s condo in Toronto on your last visit looking fighting fit.

Her memory will live on with me and I will always hold the utmost respect for what she achieved in her tragically shortened life.

My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

– Neil

I think back to seeing you both at Delene’s 60th birthday party last June and I am greatful I got to see Maureen then, never thinking I would not see her again. I have only really got to know Maureen through this journey – and I have learnt so much and take away so much from her positive always caring attitude. Not once was there ever a “why me” and I was truly humbled when things got me down – and I would receive an update from Maureen its like she was my angel looking out for me.

I am happy we did get to know you and Maureen so much better. What I am disappointed about is that we never did get our round of golf in. I remember at that time Maureen was still so busy at work and she had taken that time to take care of her Mom. We were to have that round “in the next season”. I hope that if you are back in Toronto – we can have that round of golf.

Gary it is sad to receive your final journey update, but I know that Maureen is at peace and have to be thankful for that. We will see you at Maureen’s memorial.

– Angie

Maureen,
I am deeply saddened to know that you have left us but happy at the same time to know that you are with God and his angels and will be looking over all of us here on earth. Your indomitable spirit and the love and support of Gary, family and friends  touched all of our lives. You were an inspiration to Yvonne and I  as we went  through our own struggles with Yolanda’s illness. Your caring and empathy for others and love of life was clearly demonstrated in your journals yet never once did I hear you complaining about your own struggles, but that was the kind of person you were.
I consider myself fortunate to have done business with you and ultimately becoming friends. In business you were in that  elite group of people who were honest, frank and trustworthy and a pleasure to deal with even when we could not close a deal.
We will surely miss you , you have left us with wonderful memories.
Gary, may God’s blessings be with you and your family.

– Gerry 

So sorry to hear of Maureen’s passing.  Went to school with many of her siblings in Port Elizabeth.  Reconnected with Maureen through Neil MacKay though his business when he called in at my office in Yorkville and I discovered  that he was married to someone from Port Elizabeth and she was Chinese!!!  We invited them to our house and they spent some time with the kids in the pool, it was a great time catching up with the family.   We lost touch when we moved to the Brighton area.   Michael and I  express our deepest condolences to the family.

– Nell

Firstly, my condolences to Maureen’s family, friends and colleagues on her passing.  This website is a wonderful tribute to Maureen, and thanks for sharing.  I had not seen Maureen since she completed high school in Port Elizabeth in 1969, 45 years ago.  I remember her in her pigtails and school uniform at the Chinese High School.  When in Toronto last year, some of our mutual friends mentioned she had become ill.  So although I had not been in touch with Maureen, through this website, I have learned what a beautiful, loving and professional person Maureen had become, and had an amazing impact on all people. Great to hear that Pat had provided her with medical options, and moral support as best he could.  Want to express my deepest sympathy to Gary, her family and friends, and although sad, all can be extremely happy of her time with you, and  proud of her accomplishments on this earth.

– Des Low Kum

We were profoundly saddened when we lerned of Maureens passing. Her remarkable journey was an inspiration to me and my Wife Helen who was travelling a parallel journey, as her cancer was diagnosed around the same time. Gary and Maureen reached out to us to offer succor and support. We were deeply touched. We prayed for Maureens recovery and followed her journey with admiration and awe and were convinced she would beat the dreaded disease. It’s not fair. A beautiful and remarkable spirit, much too early taken from us. The world is diminished with her loss. But she will never be forgotten. The sweet caring soul whos deeds and example exemplified her life, has earned her place in immortality. She will be missed

– Bob & Helen Buszchak

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and greeting the family and all of those in attendance of what I considered to have been a very successful, timely, thoughtful and fitting tribute to a very special lady.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of the wonderful people that I met and especially those that sought me out to offer their appreciation for my attendance, and expressions of condolences for my wife, and Maureen’s friend & fellow UCLA Medical Center cancer patient, Marie.

Everyone that spoke and all those that attended did Maureen proud, indeed.

– Richard

Thank you so much for this final update Gary.

We can only be grateful how much Maureen has touched our lives and to be blessed upon her determined gentle touch she had for all of us .We had shared so many good treasured times together with her, especially when she invited us to our very first Canadian Christmas dinner with her & her family ,when we arrived in Canada in 1985 ,to make Berni & I feel at home as new immigrants to Canada .Subsequent to that with many ,many more happy occasions of treasured memories enjoyed together.

Also thank you Gary for all you have done for Maureen. As her cousin, I am so grateful she found such a loving, caring, thoughtful and humorous husband with you at her side and for us to get to know you and share the joy ,hope, sadness, inspiration on her final journey.

I am grateful for God guiding us and helping us find this peaceful closure with such grace on the graceful and personal closure we had with Maureen at her bedside on Saturday. The peaceful closure we had with Maureen is the ending of the journey of life and a new beginning of eternal life with her beautiful soul that will wrap around all of us so dear to her. 

Thank you Gary for the final update on this beautiful journey you had with Maureen and for us to experience and share that journey together with you, Maureen and her family. We will miss you Maureen and you will always be in our loving thoughts.

– Errol & Berni

It is with deep sadness and a very heavy heart that I learn of the passing of our beloved Maureen. Please allow me to express my deepest sympathy to the entire McKay/O’Keefe family.

I visited Maureen’s memorial website just now (I read every note, viewed every striking photograph of a very full life), and it is with tears in my eyes that I offer this message of sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Guest Book (and the entire McKay/O’Keefe family):

FIRST, I must comment about the website. What an elegant and beautiful tribute to a wonderful, truly gorgeous lady and a one-of-a-kind ‘human being’. You should be very proud of Maureen and the entire family Gary (handsome boys and gorgeous girls). I always knew that Maureen was very special and truly extraordinary, and now I know more of the why. Wow!

SECOND, I must remark on what a full and honorable life indeed you both were blessed to share. I feel blessed to have known her and to have called her friend.

THIRD, I know there is nothing that I can say to ease your pain or that of the extended family, but at this juncture a peaceful death is a blessing in itself (as I am sure that you know having traveled the same road as I). I am sure that Maureen was comforted to know that you were by her side all the way. It is a tribute to you, Maureen and your relationship that she could always depend on your strength, love and stability. She was not only special, but blessed with a wonderful family and a husband that is a ‘class act.’ Maureen will be remembered for many things, but I will always remember her for her courage, strength, optimism, caring, endearing smile and the very special times that we shared together in Los Angeles, CA. She was quite simply, a beautiful lady. The love and caring that Maureen showed and shared with Marie and I can only be characterized as something that I will cherish always. It is not something that occurs every day and it was very special and dear to me.

FOURTH, I must tell you what a wonderful care-giver you were to Maureen. I am sure that you know and the family knows, but it was very touching to watch. When I referred to all the way above, I really meant it. I know you did it out of love, but that does not diminish for one second, the magnitude of the sacrifice that you endured (and offered so willingly and so completely). Maureen could have had no better partner in life than you Gary. Everything that you did out of love stands in tribute to the stellar lady that we have all been touched by. Only someone that has been through similar circumstances can truly appreciate what you did for her and with her. The fact that you both could endure such a debilitating disease and at the same time take time out of your busy lives to comfort a friend, in the same or similar circumstances, is remarkable in and of itself.

Please let me share just one example of the depth of courage and honor that you both possess, in the hope of providing a small glimpse into how truly special you and Maureen both are:

‘When Marie and I were preparing to leave UCLA Medical Center Emergency Room for what we knew would be our final departure, you and Maureen picked up our son at the LAX airport and transported him to be with his mother as we traveled together home to Las Vegas, NV. Even though Maureen had received chemo treatment that day and had to be physically and emotionally drained, she insisted on accompanying you and seeing her friend Marie off. I asked her if she was sure that she was up to it (I did so because I knew that to take part, she would be required to see Marie in what could only be described as ‘very fragile condition’ and in essence, be looking at herself in the not too distant future. I was offering her a way out or a means to excuse herself). Maureen insisted on being there and would not miss seeing her friend off, no matter the personal cost. Seeing both of them together and the love and comfort that Maureen offered her friend Marie, as we prepared her for her fin
 al journey home, was so touching, so incredibly special that I have never forgotten it. If truth be known, I never will.

My heartfelt condolences reach out to the entire family, and I shall keep all of you in my prayers.

Now, I have to dry these pesky tears.

– Your friend, Richard D. ‘Rick’ Lucas-MacGIBBON