Obituary of Kaelyn Jo MacKenzie

MacKENZIE - Kaelyn MacKenzie was born March 29, 1984 in the Yorkton Union Hospital. Problems at birth saw Kaelyn whisked away from her family for immediate care in neonatal units for nine weeks. Little did she know that this was the start of many hospital stays. By the age of seven Kaelyn had endured four major heart surgeries and by the age of twenty-one had had a total of nine surgeries and thirty two hospital stays. The Early Childhood Intervention program was a huge part of Kaelyn's early years, preparing her for the transition to school. Kaelyn attended Fairview, Yorkdale and with the help of many wonderful teachers and teacher aides throughout the years, Kaelyn was so proud, as were her family, when she received her high school diploma in June of 2006. Kaelyn had many interests growing up! "The Bernstein Bears" story collection or the "Flintstone" cartoons always kept her entertained. Kaelyn loved to dress up like "Lisa" from the Simpsons and sing and dance for anyone who would watch, loving the attention she attracted. Visit's to auntie Joan's, Stacey and Erin's was always a highlight, excited to have a "moke and a beer" at the table. Kaelyn really enjoyed her time in front of the video camera and could hardly wait to play the video back to watch herself. Over the course of her school years, Kaelyn had the opportunity to experience the band program, sing her heart out in choir, try to keep up in jazz dance, falling off a horse in Therapeutic riding, tuckering out in swimming lessons, trying to be excepted in the SADD group in high school, and trying her hand at acting in Drama class. Kaelyn was hoping to go on to secondary school when once again her health began to fail. After numerous trips to Edmonton Kaelyn was put on the Heart Transplant list in May of 2007. With the hopes of receiving a new heart Kaelyn talked of doing all those things she was never able to do. With each day of waiting more complications arose and Kaelyn became very weak, experiencing much pain. Being a huge fan of "90210" and "Friends", Kaelyn was able to pass time watching her videos and writing in her journal. Kaelyn loved writing romance novels but found she didn't have the strength to sit at the computer the last few months. Kaelyn had a wonderful sense of humour and wit, catching us off guard with her many one liners. Friends were always very important to Kaelyn and their feeling and what they would think were always a concern to her. She loved a good party especially when there was "dancing in the kitchen" and always liked to catch up on the gossip around the table. Kaelyn was very much aware of her failing heart and on numerous occasions she discussed her wishes with her family. At 6:25am Sunday, January 25, 2009 our little angel flew off to heaven. She had requested to be snuggled in Mom's arms with Dad and Kylie and Chris touching her. Her request was fulfilled and more! Kaelyn was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Iris Torgunrud, and paternal grandfather, George MacKenzie. She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life, her parents: Ward and Brenda; big sis, Kylie and favourite brother- in-law, Chris; grandma, Mildred MacKenzie; grandpa, Gerry Torgunrud; her special grandma, Emma Hendrikson; god-parents and uncle, Brian and Aldona (Stan, Anna & Iris) Torgunrud; aunt Wendy (Darren, Brad) Johsnon; aunt Karen and uncle Rick (Allan, Scott) Wood; and numerous other relatives and many friends she held so dear to her heart. As Kaelyn watches over us today she will be extremely touched by all who are here to celebrate her life. Kaelyn will always be our ray of sunshine and will never be forgotten. A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, January 31, 2009 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Colleen McGregor officiating. Musical selections played were Over the Rainbow, Knocking on Heaven's Door, and The Lord's Prayer. Tributes were given by Karen Ransome, Susan Pohl, Denise Kominetsky, Carol Picard, Jana Szaba and Peter Loster. Iris Torgunrud read from Ecclesiastes, and a poem 'Forever In Our Hearts' was read by Anna Torgunrud. A reception followed at St. Gerard's Parish Hall. Memorials in Kaelyn's memory may be directed to the GoodHearts Mentering Foundation, 11423 55th Ave. NW Edmonton, AB T6H 0X3 Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Saturday, January 31st, 2009 2:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery