McKinney, Joan Rudolf
Joan left us peacefully in Thornbury on October 12th, 2024.
Mom was born in 1934 and raised in Toronto. She was the eldest daughter of Robert Gray Rudolf and Anna Verna Wiseman. She and her younger sister Margo and brother Robert grew up riding horses, running free in Hogg’s Hollow and enjoying summers on Turtle Island then Riverdale Island in Muskoka.
Mom attended Havergal College and then headed off to the University of Western Ontario where she met and fell in love with James McKinney. They were married on June 22, 1957 and were blessed with four daughters. Nadine Gilchrist (Jeff), Heather Flynn (John), Christine Pfeiffer (Henry) and Suzanne Scott (Bradley). She adored her 10 grandchildren. Brian (Stacey), Kyle, Craig, Jeremy, Jamie, Alexandra, Caitlin, Bryce, Amelia and Henry.
Joan was a gracious hostess, dedicated volunteer and a treasured friend. Although she and Jim travelled the world, her favourite spot was on a dock on an island in Muskoka surrounded by family and friends. If you were lucky enough to have met her for a moment or a lifetime her infectious smile and inherent grace will forever be woven into the tapestry of your life. Rest well Mom.
There is a Joan sized hole in all of our hearts.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, ON on Sunday, December 8th from 1 until 4 p.m.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Wednesday, October 16, 2024
One of the best Mums I know. Visiting the McKinney house was always joyful and lovely. I can hear her laugh and the sound of her voice telling us all the scoop in the neighborhood. I will miss this icon. Sending so much love to all who cared for her these last weeks.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Thank you for sharing your memories of her Dione.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Oh beautiful Joan! She was one of a kind. They don’t make ’em like Joan anymore. She was the most perfect combination of refined poise and bold uniqueness. She was bright and fun, and always interested in others. She had a contagious laugh and always made others feel special. She had both a mother and a best friend quality about her – one always just wanted to hang out for more. I loved Joan. I always looked forward to her arrival at the McMichael for events and meetings. She always had fun information for me and kept me informed about the comings and goings of others in our 30 years together at the gallery. We laughed because she would come into my office to report to me about important obituaries in the Globe…and just this week, she came to mind so strongly. It’s now that I realize that she was popping in to report her safe arrival in heaven! You were the best Joan. You often said “getting old isn’t for sissies”…and it seems you were stalwart throughout. I was blessed to know you; I can hear your voice as I write. Blessings to your entire family, for you have lost a good one. What a very special woman. May she live in your hearts always, as she will in mine. Much love to all, Rebecca Couch
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Judy Ryan, October 17, 2024
One of the Founding members of the McMichael Volunteer Committee, Joan knew how to command a room! To me she was a “Grand Dame”, regal, smart, funny, with a joyous laugh.
An avid storyteller, Joan would regale us with funny stories about the early days at McMichael.
Joan was Chair/President of the Volunteers when I joined in 1990 and the longest serving member of our Committee. Those early years were busy ones.
Joan and the early volunteers believed in increasing the name recognition of McMichael by building bridges within other community organizations as well as providing learning experiences for the volunteers. As volunteers, we visited the Legislature, at Queens Park, the Seagrams Museum, the Montreal Museum of Art .
Within the gallery we stuffed envelopes, welcomed guests, started a Lunch and Learn program and decorated the Grand Hall for Christmas.
As a member of the Junior League, Joan was able to share a lot about what she had learned to put our committee on a stable footing,
For those of us lucky enough to have known Joan, she will be remembered as a force to be reckoned with. She was role model to me, much loved, much admired and respected. I treasure the time I had with her and will miss her. Fly with the angels dear friend.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Hi Rebecca
Lovely words for a lovely person. Joan was one of a kind. We are both so lucky to have known her. So glad we have those memories to treasure! Judy
Friday, October 18, 2024
Yes! You describe her perfectly. Regal is a perfect word! And that wry sense of humour. Always cheery and filled with great stories. A treasure!
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Condolences to her family
Thursday, October 17, 2024
To Mr. McKinney and Family,
I am sorry for the loss of your Wife, Mother and Grandmother… My sincere condolences to her family. Cherish all the fond memories. I am sure there are many…
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Thanks you so
Much for letting me know. I so miss having Joan and Jim live across from me at Avoca. They were perfect neighbours who made my transition to Avoca just perfect.
May Joan rest in peace. We will always remember her fun and sprit.
Kathy Ketnohan
Friday, October 18, 2024
Dear Nadine ,
My heart goes out to you! Although it was many years ago, I’ll always remember with great fondness my visits with your mother at the trout club and her gracious demeanour and love of life! A wonderful lady.
Pat
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Thank you Pat! I didn’t know that you knew her!!
Friday, October 18, 2024
Joan was truly one of a kind—an incredible friend, mentor, and leader who touched my life in ways I will always cherish. When I first joined the McMichael Volunteer Committee, Joan took me under her wing, guiding me with her wisdom and support. She saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself, and before I knew it, I was Chair, a role I stepped into thanks to her constant encouragement. Joan was always there—a steady touchstone for me, sharing her experience and guidance whenever I needed it.
I will never forget the time we went to an away conference together, sharing a room like two young girls. We laughed, shared stories, and it was so much fun—a memory that has stayed with me over the years. Joan’s energy was contagious. No matter the challenges our Volunteer Committee faced, there was never any “quit” in Joan. She was a force—strong, committed, and deeply dedicated to every cause she believed in, most especially her family.
Over the past few weeks, Joan has been on my mind so often, and I had the feeling that something was happening—that she was making her journey home. It’s as if she came to visit me, to remind me of all the wonderful times we shared at the McMichael and with the Volunteers. I’m so grateful for her presence in my life. She was one of those rare women who gave so freely of herself, always wanting the women around her to be strong and happy, just as she was.
Joan will forever hold a special place in my heart. She combined grace and strength with a bold uniqueness, always ready with a smile, a story, and a laugh that would light up the room. Her spirit was bright, fun, and filled with a genuine interest in others. I know I speak for many when I say that she will be deeply missed. Joan’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known her, and I will always treasure the time we had together.
Heartfelt condolences to Jim and The Girls. Joan was a true matriarch, a guiding light for her family and all who knew her. Her strength, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to shine through all the lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love and Hugs, Kim
Friday, October 18, 2024
My Condolences to Joan’s family, a great story teller , Charlotte Burstyn Alumni member
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Nadine, Our condolences go out to you and your family. I recall meeting your Mom when she hosted a dinner for a bunch of us working at Cleve’s. We also had the pleasure of reuniting at MLGCC, she was a lovely lady. So sorry for your loss.
Judy and Jamie Spears
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Thanks so much Judy! That was a long time ago!!!
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Dear Jim, Nadine, Heather, Christine and Suzanne,
You may not remember me, but I was your “Mother’s helper” in the summer of 1973 for a month in Muskoka. I don’t think that I was particularly good at my job and the idea of supervising 4 young girls was terrifying! None the less, you all treated me exceptionally well and Joan was, of course, amazing! She was kind, very organised, fun, perceptive and demonstrated her love of you all in the most supportive but firm way I had ever seen. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know each and every one of you and I was happy to be able to drop by the island about 10 years later with my baby. The warm welcome from Joan meant so much. We are all unique, but Joan falls into that wonderful category of “more unique than most”!
Please accept my deepest condolences,
Mary
Sunday, October 27, 2024
My sincere condolences to all the McKinney girls and families. Your mom had a special way of always making you feel welcome. Her laugh was infectious and the sweet loving relationship between your parents was always heartwarming. My thoughts are with you all.
Monday, October 28, 2024
Dear Nadine and family,
Bill and l are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our hearts at this time. Losing a mother is a tough one! After reading about her, especially one like yours!
Our best, Sue and Bill
Monday, October 28, 2024
We will all miss Joan in the bay “at the marina on the river side of the bridge”. We were the “other” McKinneys and I, in particular, the “other” Heather McKinney. We had several great bay great togethers once I took over my grandparents’ cottage from my uncle John Foreman. Joan was always a sparkle! She once traversed the bay to our dock in her pontoon boat and was of course very adept at landing it ( being an island girl). I have looked for vain in the past years for a sighting of her on the island or at a pew at Christ Church Gregory. I don’t think she has actually completely left us – at least in spirit.
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Sending my love and very deepest sympathy to Jim and family at this sad time.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
My deepest condolences to Nadine, Heather, Christine and Susie…… your mum was a very special woman. She was so kind and supportive of myself and our family when we lived beside her and Jim on Park Drive . She always seemed like a rock of sense and yet enjoyed the parties too. Her Volunteer work was very important to her and I know she inspired many to ‘give back’ in whatever community she lived in. I will have a mass said for her and you all, here in Ireland.
May she rest in peace.