OLD TOWN – Jeanette McGary MacKenzie, 97, died Dec. 29, 2010, at an Orono health care facility. Jeanette was born Dec. 12, 1913, in Smyrna, the daughter of Lola (O’Brien) and Lawrence McGary Sr. She graduated from Merrill High School and Aroostook General Hospital nursing program in 1934 as a registered nurse. She was employed by several area families as a private duty nurse, and later had a nursing career at Eastern Maine Medical Center. In 1939 she was married to Bernard MacKenzie, who predeceased her in 2003 at age 89. Jeanette was both wife and nurse for Mac, allowing him to stay in his home for many years of declining health. Jeanette was a strong role model and advocate of family life. She loved being a mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her three daughters, Eleanor and her husband, Ken Parent, of Orono, Ann and her husband, Ralph LaPlante, of Old Town and Nancy and her husband, Jim Nahra, of Old Town; and her son, Kenneth MacKenzie of Cartersville, Ga. She is also survived by her brother, Lawrence McGary Jr. and his wife, Rita, of Reno, Nev.; and sister-in-law, Margaret Bilodeau of Lansing, Mich. Grammy leaves behind her grandchildren who she was extremely proud of, Julie Stinson of Orono, Steven Parent of Camden, Terri St. Louis, Brenda Gardner and Kristi Kochis, all of Old Town, Karen Clukey and Margo Lonko of Milford, Bethany Sproul of Bangor, Claudia MacKenzie of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Robert MacKenzie of Lake Mary, Fla., and Keith MacKenzie of Chicago; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard MacKenzie; her sisters, Doris Little and Alma Patty; and brother, Kermit McGary. The family thanks the staff of the assisted living center of Orono Commons for their excellent care and support of Jeanette in her final days. In accordance with Jeanette’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. A private committal will be held in the spring. A scholarship fund has been in place for Old Town graduates to further their education: the Bernard “Mac” Scholarship, care of Betty Lodge, Old Town High School, 237 Stillwater Ave., Old Town, ME 04468. Arrangements by Birmingham Funeral Home, Old Town. www.birminghamfuneralhome.com <>
JEANETTE MCGARY MACKENZIE
