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Jessie Watson Mackay, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to many, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2024. Survived by loving husband Alexander (Alex), sons David, Andrew and Alastair (Cindy). Grandchildren Roan, Kier and Tracer, brother Duncan Mills (Scotland) and dear cousins Martha Brodie & Janette Taylor. Predeceased by her parents Robert and Agnes Mills and a brother Robert. Jessie was born October 18, 1938 in Clydebank, Scotland.
As was customary, Alex and Jessie met at the Town Hall dances as teenagers and saw each other not only socially but also as employees of the Singer Sewing Machine Factory. When Alex was called for his National Service in the British Army, Jessie did her part and came to Canada on a reconnaissance mission.
Jessie returned to Scotland to marry Alex and together they immigrated to Canada in 1962. They lived in Montreal for a few years before relocating to Sarnia where they raised a family and enjoyed life together for the past 57 years.
Jessie cherished her family and adored her sons and grandchildren unconditionally. She was very proud of them all. In the early days, life was often lived on the road following the boys’ hockey and soccer games with much of the time spent at a soccer pitch or inside a cold arena. After the children’s and grandchildren’s playing days were over she still could be found cheering in the stands of a local school gymnasium. Sports, especially her love of tennis, remained a constant and regardless if Jessie was watching a match live in Toronto or a grand slam event on the telly, it was one of her favourite past times.
Fortunately, later in life, Alex and Jessie had the opportunity to travel extensively visiting the Panama Canal, Portugal, Italy & Greece and a river cruise through Eastern Europe to name a few. They also made many return trips to Scotland to tour the UK and visit with relatives. For close to 20 years they have spent part of the winters vacationing in Florida and developed a close knit group of Treasure Island friends.
Always the social butterfly of the family, Jessie made long lasting friendships wherever she went, many among the Scottish ex pat community. She loved her weekly bridge group, tea and scones with the ladies or a visit to a local Tim’s to sit with friends and have a good blether. Jessie enjoyed tending to her garden and was a regular attendee and promoter of local theatre.
While the immediate loss of Jessie will impact all of us deeply, her memory and spirit will live on for eternity. We welcome you to celebrate her life with her family and there is no better way to end than with a simple appreciation of Jessie and what she meant to the people she knew. Funeral arrangements will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, ON.
Visitation is on Wednesday May 29th from 12pm to 2pm. Service to follow at 2pm.
The Mackay’s would like to invite family and friends to a luncheon to be held at Smith Family Centre following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Inn of the Good Shepherd or Bluewater Health Palliative Medicine (cheques only at the funeral home, please).
