Obituary of Amanda McKee

Surrounded by loved ones at ARCH, Amanda’s story reached its final chapter on Friday, January 5th, 2018. Guided by her warrior spirit, boundless determination and sly sense of humour, Amanda accomplished many amazing things throughout her life. She grew up in London on a steady diet of chicken bologna sandwiches with her family. At 16, she was a tool-and-die apprentice and general machinist, obtaining her trades certification through Fanshawe College. She was involved in a number of projects in London and Sault Ste. Marie, including machining medical lasers, creating the weather-stripping mould for the relaunch of the Ford Thunderbird, milling hydraulics for cranes, and working with heavy machinery.

From there she held a number of retail positions at English Butler, Pantorama, Campus Crew and Bluenotes. Her tireless work ethic was always noticed & appreciated, and she attained management positions with each company.

Her next task was enrolling in the Nursing program at Sault College, where she was elected class president and also established the first Relay for Life at the school. After graduating, she worked as a Mental Health nurse in unit 1C at Sault Area Hospital. She quickly rose through the ranks, achieving a Nursing Supervisor position in unit 3C. In this position, she advocated for better conditions for both patients and nurses and became an invaluable member of the Senior Management team. Amanda planned to continue her education & complete her Master’s degree in Nursing.

Amanda met her partner-in-crime Daniel in 2000 while she was still living in London. Their shared sense of humour, driven nature, and sense of adventure made them a perfect fit to face the world together. She moved with him to Brantford, then back to the Soo, where they started their family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her son Mason and daughter Kayla.

Over the years, Amanda gave HGTV a run for their money when it came to home renovations. Having a keen eye for detail and flair for interior design, Amanda renovated three lovely homes with Daniel, and her skills for home renos were constantly in demand from her friends. She utilized her home renovation skills while working as a Kitchen Designer for Home Depot.

Amanda faced her illness with courage, dignity and humour, and found ways to use her illness to help others; she enjoyed making chemo kits for her fellow cancer patients and taught herself to crochet & sold hand-made items to raise money for the chemo kits.

There was nothing Amanda hated more than sad puppy dog eyes or looks of pity, and God bless you if you cried around her. So, please take a note from her and remember her rich and wonderful life instead. She did not want her illness to define her. Cry if you need to, but laugh at that funny memory you have of her, and tell stories of shenanigans past.

Amanda enjoyed the finer things in life and always lived the philosophy of "you can't take it with you when you go" and lived life for the moment. In that spirit, we invite everyone to “treat yo’ self!” Break out the good dishes, use the guest towels, put on your favourite outfit and raise a glass to our friend with that wine you've been saving for a special occasion, because life is a special occasion to be celebrated daily.

Amanda was loved & supported by her husband Daniel, son Mason, daughter Kayla, parents Daniel (Jan) Regan & Michele Masse, In-laws Robert & Evi McKee, brother Nick Regan, step-brothers Andrew Lovenjak, Paul Lovenjak (Rieka), Ryan Lovenjak (Hailey), brother-in-law Curtis McKee (Tia), nieces Addy & Aubrey McKee, nephew Owen McKee, grandparents Ernie & Brenda Regan, Philomene Masse, Geraldine McKee, pets Charli, Po & Seymour, and a motley crew of stand-up individuals, ranging from esteemed family, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and extended family including the McKee, Regan, Masse & Overholt clans.

Since the beginning of Amanda’s struggle there has been a large amount of incredible people who have come forth to support us. In particular, we’d like to acknowledge: Northridge Montessori School (Bicki, Hillary, Steph, Andrea, Kaylee, Miranda, Meagan, Alysha, Annette); Tarentorous staff, students, parents and community; AGCO Family; ARCH Hospice; Amanda’s posse of friends (too many to list but you know who you are); Gofundme donors; Secret Santas; Gioia family; Skanes family; Aho family; Pagnotta family; McCallaghan family; New Life Church (Pastor Matt, Elina & Peggi); neighbours; everyone that kept the freezer full and our minds occupied; Danielle & Mak; Dr. Spadafora, Dr. Trusdale, Dr. Booth, Dr. Wallenius, Dr. Hackett, the ICU and Emergency Departments, The Cancer Clinic, 3B, and especially to her colleagues on 1C & 3C who helped keep her spirits up.

Special thanks go to Sierra & Lyv at CCAC, who went above & beyond the call of duty to make Amanda comfortable & happy at home for as long as possible. Without you the family Christmas at home would not have been a possibility. This meant the world to Amanda. We’d also like to acknowledge Dr. Bernardini & team at Princess Margaret Hospital, whose efforts gave us 2 more years with Amanda.

At Amanda’s request, there will be no service. However, a celebration of life will be planned for her birthday in August.

In honour of the love & dedication Amanda had for Mason and Kayla, a fund has been established to provide for their education. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). 

“Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm.'

The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'”

-Jake Remington