Valencia MacKinlay (Fanning)

MacKinlay, Valencia (Lince), Gertrude (Fanning) - 91, died at home surrounded by family, in Halifax NS, August 2nd, 2024, after a brief illness. Mum was born in Canso, Nova Scotia, February 27th, 1933, to Lillian Louise Fanning (Morris) and Gerald William Fanning. Mum married dad, William MacKinlay of Glace Bay Cape Breton, in Canso, on July 9, 1955, and together they had six children. Dad’s career in the Air Force meant the family moved frequently throughout Canada, presenting many adventures and challenges for Mum, especially with six young children. The moves and isolation made for a difficult time with multiple children in diapers in those early years. This may be why she was rather cranky. After Dad retired and took a job at the Department of National Defence in Halifax, we settled in Queensland before Mum and Dad eventually moved to Halifax. In those years Mum was happiest when working as a hairstylist at Mable’s Beauty Salon in Hubbard’s. Mum was an avid reader. She also liked to sew, and like her mother and siblings, loved to write letters. Mum adored her pets. She rescued and was home to many rescued animals over her lifetime. She was also a great friend and had enduring friendships near and far and was know as Val to her friends. Mum cherished her sisters and brothers and loved to go back to Canso for large family visits and enjoy the wonderful weather in Guysborough County. Mum is survived by her children William Robert MacKinlay and his daughter Cassie; Jerry Thomas MacKinlay (Ana) and their children Emily and Emmanuel; David Steven MacKinlay and his sons Aaron and Alex; Beth Diane MacKinlay (Rodden) and her children Christopher and Jessica; Douglas Paul MacKinlay (Joann) and their children Odin and Leon; Lynn Marie MacKinlay and her step-children Jill, Bianca, Tovah, Gabriel and Eli. Mum had special affection for David’s former partner, and Aaron and Alex’s Mom, Kelli Land-Fleming. Mum is also survived by her beloved sister, Mary (Molly), (Bruce) Greenlaw and their children Juanita and Bruce, St. Catharine's, Ontario and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews. Mum and dad were both tenderly cared for by her beloved niece and RN (retired), Anne Bereziuk (Bona). The MacKinlays thank Anne for her kindness, expertise and leadership in caring for both mum and dad in their declining health. Mum is predeceased by Dad, William (Bill) MacKinlay; sisters Mamie; Eileen (Sis); Marjorie (Marge); Florence (Pookie); Genesta (Ness) and Lillian (Lilly); and brothers Thomas (Snee); Donald (Donnie); Robert (Peewee) and Charles (Dee). Family and friends of the Mackinlay’s are invited to attend the graveside funeral service for our mum, Valencia Gertrude MacKinlay (Fanning), which will be held at the Star of The Sea Church graveyard. The Star of the Sea is at Second Street and Chapel Street in Canso, Nova Scotia. Mum wanted to be interred with her parents Lillian (Morris) Fanning and Gerald Fanning. Service will be held on Saturday October 5, beginning at 12:30pm. If anyone is travelling from afar, the Shamrock Club will be opened at 11am. The Shamrock Club is located at 1315 Union Street in Canso. After the graveside service we will gather at the Shamrock Club for refreshments and food. There is parking both at the church and at the Shamrock Club. Only real cut flowers are allowed at the gravesite. If anyone would like to post memories, pictures or tributes you can do so at: https://www.harboursidecremation.ca/obituaries/Valencia-Mackinlay-Fanning/#!/TributeWall

Valencia MacKinlay (Fanning)

August 2, 2024