Lydia McKay
March 17th, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lydia McKay.
She was the second child born to EVDOHIA and JAKIM Holonko in the Ukraine.
Lydia was 12 years old when the family immigrated to Canada and settled in Park Court, Alberta, where she and her siblings attended school.
Only two years later, in 1939 her mother died and life became very difficult for this family of 6 children and their father. When Lydia was 16 she was on her own and moved to the big city, first Edmonton and then Calgary.
In 1957, Lydia married Donald Cameron McKay and in 1965 they moved to Coquitlam, BC.
Lydia was predeceased by her husband Don McKay, her two sisters Jean Vandevoord and Mary Smith, her two brothers Paul Holonko and Walter Holonko.
Lydia will always be loved and remembered by her son RAYMOND ERIC MCKAY, her Sister Anne Prokopchuk, her sister in law Natalka Holonko and her half-brother Andrey Semitiuk, plus many cousins and nieces and nephews.
Lydia had a beautiful singing voice and we feel that she is now singing with the Angels.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Condolences from the Ushko Family. Also Ted and Susan Bolseng and family. I am sure Aunty Lydia is singing fir all of us in heaven.
I was so very saddened to hear of Auntie Lydia’s passing. She was an icon in the family. I will miss her loving, powerful presence. I will miss her kindness and her tenacity. Sending love and condolences to Anne, Tara and family, and Ray! May god hold you all close
I am so sorry for the family's loss. Lydia was a very kind sole. I am sure she will be greatly missed.
I am deeply saddened to learn of my dear sister's death and that she is no longer with us to lessen our load in these trying times. Although I did not know her throughout her youth and mine and only met Lydia late in our lives once our family reunited, I was profoundly moved to tears on our uniting for the first time, as was she. She had a gentle spirit and an interest in the world around her. She loved to sing and on the occasions when we were together, I remember her leading us in song, including Ukrainian songs from the old country. Hers was a powerful story of hardship on the farms and making her way into the world at a young age on her own. I was lucky and privileged to meet her, albeit late in both our lives. I know she is now with the rest of our family members looking out for us who are still here. May she rest in peace.
My most sincere condolences to Ray and family.