Rubena Sarah McKenzie
January 11, 1946 to June 28, 2023
Obituary
It is with great sadness that her family announces the passing of Rubena Sarah McKenzie, after 17 years of standing up to cancer.
Predeceased by her parents Edwin and Elizabeth McKenzie (nee Walsh) and her twin sister Rebecca.
Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her siblings Ernest (Betty), Elizabeth Kennedy (Joe) and Beverly House (Rod). Niece Athena (Robert) and nephews Mark (Lori) and Kurt (Jessica); Todd (Shaunda) and Kirk (Julie) House; Jason (Nicole) and Tim (Jessica) Kennedy. Great-nieces and nephews Chloe, Sophie, Finley, Owen, Nash, Wyatt, Luke, Jade, Hannah, Riley, Sophia, Jaxson, and Forrest. Aunts Kate and Sadie, and numerous beloved cousins — too many to list here.
Part of the first set of twins born at Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital in Norris Point, Rubena lived in Lomond from 1959 until resettlement and considered the area her happy place.
A dedicated nurse, her care benefitted families from across the Island during their time in the neonatal and pediatric surgical daycare departments at the Janeway in St. John’s, where she worked for more than 30 years. Rubena lived with her mother Bessie and sister Elizabeth, and the sisters cared for Bessie until her passing in 2021 at age 95.
While she never married or had children, she poured her abundant love into her niece, nephews and their families. She is remembered as a keen card player, avid purse and shoe shopper, prolific knitter, focused berry picker, nervous driver and passenger, generous gifter, and patient care-giver.
Cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held later in the summer in Lomond. In lieu of flowers, her family requests a donation be made in her memory to The Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation.
A special thank you to Community Health Nurse Lori Metcalfe and the staff of the palliative care ward at The Miller Centre for their exemplary care and kindness.
“For if you always think of me, I will never have gone.”
condolences to Rubena’s family…I looked at this picture and I thought she looked so young and I knew she was familiar…sweet Lady for sure……May she RIP I worked at the Janeway while she was there ad My mother also..
I was so surprised to see that Ruben’s had passed away. I boarded with Bessie in St John’s in the late 1980’s and we had so many laughs and many games of cards. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Geoff
Condolences to Rubens family! May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Mary Gardner
Condolence to family and friends. RiP
It is with great sadness that I read of Rubena’spassing.my sincere condolences to all of her family. You were her world and she loved you very much.RIP my friend.
I was fortunate to have worked with Rubena at the Janeway Surgical Day Care Unit. She was a lovely lady and a professional and dedicated nurse. My sympathies to her family.
Our sincere condolences to all of Rubena’s family and friends. Rubena did her Nurses training with all of us and we were the first graduates of Western Memorial School of Nursing in 1971. Rubena will always be remembered in our prayers . May she Rest In Peace. Sylvia Cantwell Hiscock & Rubena’s Nursing Class of 1971.
I worked with Rubena for many years at the Janeway where she was loved and respected by all. Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy during this sad time. RIP Rubena.
Betty and Beverley: Our most sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your sister Rubena. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your memories help ease your grief and help you through this most difficult time. Thinking of you all.
Sue and Jim Lacey
Sorry to hear of Rubena;’s passing
Sending condolences to her family
May her gentle soul rest in God’s peace and love
Carol Arsenault
Sorry to hear of Rubena’s passing. Sending condolences to her family. Rest easy now Rubena.
Sending prayers and my condolences to Rubena’s family & close friends , rest in peace gentle woman.!
Theresa Morris
So sorry to hear of Rubena’s passing , deepest sympathy to her family at this sad time .
Judy Gulliver
Janeway Friend
Dear Ernest,Betty,Bev and families,
Wayne joins me in extending our sincerest condolemces on Rubena’s passing.. Rubena was a very important person in our family.Although she was my mother’s first cousin- she was more like a cousin of my sister,Louise and me. Rubena was much loved by our family..Rubena lived with Mom and Dad while she did her nursing school in Corner Brook and our parents loved that time with her.
Rubena lived a life of caring and giving and has left a legacy of that with you all.
All is well in God.’s World where pain and suffering has ceased.Rubena had an unfaltering faith which would have served her well onto the end.
She was well loved and loved well.
God bless you all.
Sincerely
Linda
To all of Rubena’s family…my deepest condolences. I worked with her at the Janeway. It was only a week ago that I was talking about her. So sorry to hear of her passing. Rest in peace Rubena.
My deepest condolences to Rubena’s family on her passing.She was a kind and gentle nurse,always with a smile.That is how I will remember her.RIP Rubena
My sincere condolences to all of her family members. I worked with Rebena when I first went to the Janeway in 1978. So many memories and stories, her nieces and nephews were her pride and joy and spoke frequently about them. Rest easy Rebena.
Sincere condolences to her family. Such a wonderful nurse and a beautiful person. I worked with Rubena in the nursery at the Janeway for many years and well always remember her kind and caring ways..
My sincere condolences to Rubena’s family.
We worked together for many years at the Janeway.
So many wonderful memories of her kindness & the beautiful stories she shared about her family..
Those busy tired feet can now rest.
God Speed!
My sincere condolences to the family on your loss. I worked with Rubena in the Special Care Nursery at the Janeway when I started there in 1978. She was a caring and professional nurse and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She certainly left her mark at the Janeway and will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace Rubena.
Agatha Howlett
Betty and Bev sorry to hear of Rubenas passing.
So very sorry to hear of Rubena’s passing.. I worked with her at the Janeway and remember her as a dedicated nurse. Sincere condolences to her family.
My deepest condolences to Rubena’s family. I worked with Rubena at the Janeway for quite a few years and was saddened to read of her passing. She was such a devoted nurse to her profession and I enjoyed working with her. May she Rest In Peace
Deepest condolences on the loss of Rubena. She was a very dedicated and caring Janeway nurse. May she rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to all
the family.
Hello
I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of Rubena. I didn’t know her but my name is Susan Heather Rubena Kenny. I grew up in Wiltondale and my Mom was Rosa Kenny. I believe Rubena lived with my Mom for a period of time when she was teaching there and my Mom spoke very highly of her. So much so she gave me her name. I wish I could have met her. I’m very sorry for your loss
Susan
Elizabeth, Joe, Bev and Rod, and all who knew and loved Rubena,
I am so sorry to hear of Rubena’s passing. She was a loving and gentle soul. She will be missed greatly but always remembered with cherished thoughts of her contributions to our community and to her family. She and Bessie were always so gracious and kind when anyone dropped in for a visit. My deepest condolences.
My dear Elizabeth, Joe and all the people who loved Rubena, we are so sorry to hear this tragic news. I new Rubena only slightly but your remembrances of her are wonderful. She must have been an amazing nurse. I’m sure you will miss her deeply. May your memories always bring a smile to your face and a good feeling to your heart.
Much love from Leo and Aletha
Elizabeth & Joe and all Rubena’s family,
I am so sad to learn of Rubena’s passing. I know your hearts must be broken. She was a dedicated daughter and sister. Treasure your many fond memories.
Though I do not know Rubena and family I was so touched by the obituary .. sincere condolences on your loss and feel a little of your losses and Rubena as a caring beautiful person. This world needed so many more like Rubena and may your memories be of some solace !Kindness and prayers for you all!
Condolences to all the family
I am so sorry to hear of Rubena’s passing. Growing up in Norris Point, Rubena lived just two houses from me and as kids we spent a lot of time together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Condolences to all the family.
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to all the family..