McKenna Louise Riley

Obituary

Passed on December 15, 2020

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of McKenna on the morning of Tuesday December 15th, 2020 at the young age of 20 years old. McKenna was known by many nicknames including Kenna, Kenna Lou, Jeena, Lou Lou, Jee, JeJa, Nanner, Nan all of which were given out of great love.

McKenna was gifted with an amazing sense of humour and quick wit which she used to great effect with her family and friends alike. Her kindness and empathy towards all people was a quality that was admired by everyone who knew McKenna, and the very qualities that led people to gravitate towards her. She had a tremendous eye for style and was able to see the beauty of people and places wherever she went. McKenna had a love for dancing and enjoyed her jazz ballet, tap and hip-hop classes. As she got older, McKenna found the love for the game of hockey. McKenna enjoyed the sport over the years, but mostly enjoyed the teammates she was able to meet and play with.

McKenna enjoyed the simple things in life, like time with friends and family, camping and enjoying the outdoors, ripping on the Seadoo and eating a good hot dog with ketchup, onions and banana peppers. Since a little girl, McKenna always wanted to be a “pay lady” (cashier) and make ice cream cones at The Kiln. Funny enough, McKenna did reach her two young occupational goals by spending her teen years working at The Kiln in Stonewall, Sobey’s in Gimli and working at Rexall in Stonewall. McKenna loved the people she met through her work and spoke highly of the many customers she served.

McKenna attended Brant – Argyle School, in the community of Argyle, MB until grade 8, Sturgeon Heights for grade 9, and then finished the remainder of her high school years at Kelvin High School. McKenna was excelling at the University of Winnipeg right up until the time of her passing with her sights firmly set on a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She was extremely proud when just recently she learned that she had earned her place on the Dean’s Honour List as well as receiving an Academic Proficiency Scholarship for the 2019-20 school year. McKenna’s marks so far in 2020-21, left no doubt that her academic success would continue.

McKenna is predeceased by her grandfather Lewis Riley, and her great grandparents. McKenna is survived by her parents Kevin and Lisa Riley, her older sister Brooke-Lyn Riley, and grandparents Donna Riley, Ted and Darlene Wittenberg. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins including Tony and Renee Wickler (Andrew and Sarah), David and Kim Riley (Brayden and Madisyn), Derek Riley and Tracy (Camryn, Ashlyn, Lauryn, Sophie), Drew and Janis Raeburn (Kaase), Tanis Suthern and Lars (Nolan). McKenna is also survived by her boyfriend Dawson and his family as well as her precious kittens Percy and Biggie.

A celebration of McKenna’s life will be held when COVID restrictions lift; an announcement will be made at that time.

The family will be creating legacy funds in McKenna’s name with a focus on the Manitoba Women’s Junior Hockey League (MWJHL) and the Community of Argyle, which will be handled by the Interlake Community Foundation (ICF). If anyone wishes to donate, they are encouraged to contact the ICF through their website: www.interlakefoundation.ca.

The family wishes to thank the health care teams from Stonewall Hospital, HSC, as well as the paramedic teams involved. Also, a special thank you to Transplant Manitoba – Gift of Life organization. Kevin, Lisa and Brooke-Lyn want to thank all the friends and family for the messages, letters, flowers and gifts. They are grateful for the beautiful memories that have been shared with them. They are so proud of their Baby Jee.

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