It is with profound sadness that the family of Berendina “Dini” MacKenzie (née Pluim) of Mount Forest, formerly of Georgetown announce her peaceful passing with her daughter and Lucy by her side on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 at Strathcona Long Term Care, Mount Forest at the age of 99, just weeks shy of her 100th Birthday. Dini is survived by her children: Jim MacKenzie (Christine) of Penticton, BC, Lynn MacKenzie (Patricia) of Markdale, Marilyn McLeod of Mount Forest, Gwen Parker (Doug) of Mono, and Ian MacKenzie (Diane) of Cold Lake, AB. She leaves to mourn numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her adoring husband John “Jack” (1988), her infant son John (1950), and son-in-law David McLeod (2013). Mom was born in Winschoten, Groningen, Holland in 1922 following the end of World War I into a family with 12 siblings. She survived the years of hardship during the Great Depression and experienced the horrors of World War II in German occupied Holland. She was happily liberated by the Canadian Army in 1945 and especially one Canadian soldier whom she met and married. She came to Toronto, Canada in 1946 where they would start their life and family together. In 1958 they moved to Georgetown where Mom was enthusiastically involved in the local Kinsmen/Kinette club and Brownies/Girl Guides for many years. Her children were her life to the very end whom she raised with a gentle hand with wisdom and discipline. As per Mom’s wishes, there will be no services and cremation has taken place. She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband and infant son in a private family service in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto. The family wish to acknowledge all the love, compassionate care, and kindness we received from all of her caregivers at Strathcona for the past seven years. Thank you is just not enough. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mom’s name to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. England Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
