She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, and will be dearly missed by her children: Laurie (Toni) Winder, Brian (Marilyn), and Ron (Heather); her cherished grandchildren: Remi, Braydon (Erin), Hailey (Rob), Trevor (Jayden), Rhys, Adam, Drew, and Beth; and her two beloved great-grandsons, Aldous and Miles. She is also remembered by her former husband, Don Miller, with whom she raised their three children.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Toby; sisters-in-law, Gisella and Irene Cantwell; her sister, Helen; and brother-in-law, Glen Little.

Mary Kay was born in Calgary on August 21, 1935. After losing both of her parents by the age of 16, she moved to Lethbridge to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Glen Little, and their young family.

A natural caregiver, Mary Kay was part of the first graduating class of St. Michael’s School of Nursing. Upon graduation, she was named valedictorian and awarded the prestigious Gold Medal in Bedside Manner—an early testament to the compassionate nurse she would become. She served as a registered nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital, where she especially loved working on the Medical Floor. Her gentle instincts and healing spirit remained a hallmark throughout her life, even into her final years.

Mary Kay was a devoted member of McKillop United Church, where she gave generously of her time through many volunteer roles. Her church community was a source of deep friendship and joy.

Above all, Mary Kay’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. She played a vital role in their lives—attending sporting events, concerts, recitals, and drama productions with pride and enthusiasm. She loved reading with them and passed on her deep love of books to each.

Despite the many challenges she faced, Mary Kay always met life with a warm smile and a cheerful heart.

A Celebration of life will be held at McKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Trevor Potter officiating. The Celebration of life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Mary’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Kay’s memory to Breakthrough T1D Canada, previously JDRF (breakthrought1d.ca) or McKillop United Church (mckillopunited.ca/donate)