Monique Victoire McKeage

(née Poisson)

August 27, 1921 to July 20, 2012

Monique passed away peacefully at 2:40 AM Friday July 20 at McKinney Place in Oliver.

She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she was educated and was proud to relate the story that she was likely the first female to exceed 100 MPH in a speedster motorcar. Speed was a passion that stayed with her until she gave up her driver’s licence in her late eighties.

She was predeceased by partners Joseph A. Champagne, Herman H. Schafer, Carl Webster and Jay McKeage, also by stepson George Schafer and grandson Craig Currie.

She is survived by her daughter Jo-ann (Norman) Jaques of Armstrong, step daughter Jerry (Harold) Schafer/ Piche of Penticton, son Terry (Robbie) Schafer of Oliver, grandsons Jason and Corey, granddaughters Lisa and Kristie, and great grand children Jesse, Kyra, Duncan, Spencer, Brendan, Brady, Sofie, Jake and Kennedy.

After moving to the west coast with her first husband she operated their little store until her husband Joe passed away. Sometime later she found herself up the coast at Shearwater in a sawmill and boatworks operation with her second husband Herman Schafer. There she was a trail blazer in being the first lady boat skipper in the area. They eventually moved to the Okanagan and had an orchard and a taxi service in Summerland. They eventually moved to Oliver to take over a motel and to build a new mobile home park and though Herman unfortunately passed away Oliver remained Monique’s home for the last four decades.

She enjoyed travelling and toured North America before visiting Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Hawaii and Great Britain.

Gardening was a passion and she loved to sew, play cards at the Senior Center and spend time with family and friends. In her 60’s she took up skiing and golf and enjoyed those sports immensely. The Art Club and painting occupied much of her time. Monique also volunteered at the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop for 21 years and the Senior’s Center in its formative years.

A private memorial will be held for her at the Schafer residence on Island Way on Oct. 14, 2012 where a tree will be planted in her memory.

The family would like to express their sincerest thanks to Dr. Mark Hamilton and the staff of McKinney Place for making Monique’s last days and hours as comfortable as possible.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.