Obituary of Corlea McKay

McKAY, Francis Corlea River John July 23rd, 1954-Sept 26th, 2021 It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corlea McKay. She passed gently in her home where she was most at peace, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She leaves behind her partner, Randy MacKenzie, and her children, Trevor Hiltz, Lincoln Hiltz (Suzanne), Kelly Heighton (Duane) and Melissa MacDonald (Philip); as well as her darling dog Dobber, who never left her side. Her wonderful grandchildren, Dylan and Mason Hiltz, Chase, Cole and Caden Heighton and Connor and Cameron MacDonald; her sister, Marilyn Gould (Robert); her in-laws, Clyde MacKenzie (Lorraine), Robbie MacKenzie (Susanne), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, Fraser and Beth McKay; brother, Donnie McKay (Irene); nephews, Bobby McKay and Sawyer MacKenzie. Corlea will be remembered fondly for her community involvement as a member of several committees including River John Festival Days and The Winter Carnival. She also cherished her time as a member of the River John Legion. Her love of her children and her community led her to become involved with River John Recreation and her fiery coaching brought the community baseball team many well-earned championships. Her love and passion for community also guided her to open her heart and her home to several of her children's friends or others in need through the years. Her absolute willingness to take them in and love them like family is her greatest legacy. Those who knew her well will remember her best when it is storming outside and the thunder rolls in and how these storms brought her joy, running outside to watch whenever she got the chance. Or when a game show contestant got a question wrong, they will smile as they remember how she would shout the answer at them, in her focus forgetting they could not hear her. Never one to mince her words, Corlea’s signature brand of loving blunt honesty will be sorely missed, even though it did not always feel that way at the time! Corlea was able to find joy in so many aspects of her world. Each moment of it led to a fulfilled and happy life, lob ball tournaments, endless stories from her brother Donnie whom she adored, trips in her coveted mustang, her excitement for the turkey roll are all the wonderful memories where we find our solace. We are also comforted that for 25+ years she was lucky to be with her soul mate, Randy. Spending their time together hunting, fishing or even watching Bruins games you could tell she was truly never quite as happy as when she was by his side, and of course with little Dobber curled up next to her. Although it seems unimaginable that we must go on without her, we know that we carry her with us always. Her strength and resiliency live on through her children and grandchildren and we will try every day to love our friends and family as fiercely as she did, in her memory. Every time we open our hearts to help it is our tribute to the woman who showed us how to give of ourselves, may she look down upon us and be proud. The family would like to send a special thank you to Laurie Forward, Maria Langille and Sonya Swan for the care they gave and everything they did to help get her home and to make her final days the best they could be. If flowers grow in heaven, Lord, then pick a bunch for me. Please place them in my mother’s arms And tell her they’re from me. Tell her that I love and miss her And when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. -By Unknown