KENNEY, Olive Daisy Kenney

KENNEY,Olive Daisy Kenney

On May 4, 2020 the heavens opened up and an army of relatives and dear friends joyfully welcomed our absolutely amazing mother, Olive Daisy (Underhill) Kenney into their warm embraces. She never judged another by their appearance, their accomplishments in life or what others thought of them. She saw everyone as special which enabled people to love her right away and she in turn made unconditional room for them in her heart. She had spunk, a zest for life, loved a good social discussion and listened intensely to what others had to say. You knew she heart and cared about what you were doing and feeling.

Mum was born on August 4, 1929 and raised by Alice and Reverend George Underhill in Calgary and had four siblings and worked as a nursing assistant. Olive welcomed seven children, 23 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren into the world and remembered each and every one of their birthdays and their age. She sometimes sent the funniest gifts but you knew that each one had been selected with great care and love and would often be wrapped in plastic bags, wallpaper, duct tape or fancy napkins. You could just feel that love exuding from those packages. She looked forward to Easter so we could all share a feast, decorate eggs, and then she would give each child a gift and a goodie package for the ride home. She would wave goodbye and say, “make sure you call when you get home safe.”

Her marriage to our stepfather Ronald Pust Kenney in 1973 gave her many happy years and the greatest friends in the Redland area where she became a loved member of the surrounding communities. She participated with the Rosebud Theatre group, the Rockyford United Church and many other local organizations. For years she hand wrote personalized Christmas letters to hundreds of area children on behalf of the post office. A letter written to “Nan Kenney, Rosebud” was all that was needed to assure delivery because everyone knew the identity of that “sweet white haired lady.”

Seven years ago she moved to the Wheatland Lodge in Strathmore where she joined many friends and made room for countless others. She loved her time there. The residents and staff became another family for her to love, to care for and to fuss over. Right to the end she wanted to go home to “her friends at the Lodge.” Her regret at 90 years old, was that she wouldn’t receive a 100th birthday card from the Queen.

Mum, Nan or Olive just know – If love alone would have saved you, you never would have died.

You truly were our greatest blessing and you have left some mighty footprints for us to follow. Heaps of love from your children: Sharon (Ronald) Doig, Catherine (Shalanda) Williams, Cliff (Debbie) Bergeron, Joan Newman and Mark (Carla) Kenney.

A life celebration for Mum will be held when gathering restrictions are lifted.