MCKAY: Irene Agnes (Dowan) McKay passed away peacefully at the Riverdale Health Centre, Rivers, on Saturday, March 22, 2003. She was born on May 22, 1921, at the Oak River Indian Reserve, now known as Sioux Valley Reserve. She was the daughter of the late Demas and Bessie Dowan, her siblings included three brothers and five sisters. As a born again believer, she was proud of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She was a praying warrior who devoted many years to sharing the word with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Her faith never faltered and she walked closely with Jesus. Irene raised thirteen children and despite many hardships, she kept her family together. In addition, she was a caregiver to 66 foster children over the years. She lovingly cared for her 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Her home was always open to everyone, where there was always a meal and words of encouragement. She also frequently gave advice and often used humor to get her message across. Irene was supportative of her children and grandchildren in their sports and was probably their biggest fan. The McKay Club was known for their love of baseball as well as hockey. Mom and Dad were elders at the Reserve Fellowship Chapel, which was built in the 1960's. This position was taken seriously and they were faithful in keeping the church alive and maintaining the general upkeep of the building. Their dedication is a true testament of their love for the Lord. Irene appreciated the beauty of flowers. Her and Dad spent many hours outdoors planting flowers and they were also known for their big gardens. She will be missed by: her husband, Stan and children: Crawford (Marilyn), Lorne, Ella (Victor), Earl (Yvette), Millie (Dave), Tannis (Greg), Holly (Laverne), Kim (Cam), Carol (Dale), Kennedy (Heather), Trenelle (Wendy) and Pierre (Rhonda). Irene also leaves to mourn, her two sisters Kay Stevenson, Doris Pratt and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by: her parents, Demas (1974) and Bessie (1976); sisters, Margaret (1937), Olive (1932), and Daisy (1999); brothers, Clarence and Harold (infancy), and Roy (2000). Irene was also predeceased by: her son, Lindsay (1988); granddaughter, Jocelyn (1981); and grandsons, Logan (2002), Kelsey (1996) and Timothy (1994). A wake will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. at Sioux Valley Veteran's Hall, Sioux Valley, Manitoba. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sioux Valley Veteran's Hall with Pastor Dave Thiessen officiating. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons: Trevor Pashe, Conrad McKay, Charles McKay, Jonathan McKay, Blair McKay, and long time family friend, Chad Ranville. Interment will follow at the Reserve Fellowship Chapel. The McKay family invites everyone to a lunch following the interment. We, as a family, will miss our dear mother, grandmother, however we are confident that she has gone to be with her Lord. "Safe in the arms of Jesus". Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.