We Remember

MACKENZIE, Myrna Lorraine (Holman) (née Smith)

August 24, 1945 — October 27, 2026

Myrna’s family is stunned and heartbroken to announce her sudden passing in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 81. She was in good health and expected to recover fully from a fractured knee when a blood clot cut her life short.

Myrna Lorraine Smith was born in 1945 in Treherne, Manitoba, the first child of Lloyd and Zilpha (Zel) Smith. In 1949 the family moved from the farm to Winnipeg, where Myrna and her younger sister, Joan-Dianne, grew up and graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate in St. Vital. Myrna was an enthusiastic, helpful and sociable child who loved life and cared about others. As a teenager she found great meaning in Job’s Daughters, and she went on to St. John’s College at the University of Manitoba, an experience that opened many doors.

In 1966 Myrna married her high school sweetheart, Neil MacKenzie. They began a two-year adventure in London, England, before returning to Canada and settling in Toronto. There Myrna earned her teaching certification, taught elementary school and welcomed their sons, Bradley and Ian. In 1976 the family moved to Vancouver, where Myrna was a gracious hostess, a talented cook and a supportive neighbour.

As a mature student, Myrna returned to school to pursue her passion for early childhood development and earned a graduate degree in speech pathology at Western Washington University. She dedicated her career to helping children, first with Vancouver Coastal Health and later with the StarBright Children’s Development Centre in Kelowna.

Faith was an important part of Myrna’s life. She drew strength from it throughout her life, from her church community at Shaughnessy United in Vancouver to her many years at Central Okanagan United Church in Kelowna. She was an active and generous volunteer at Central Okanagan United, giving her time and energy to the congregation, and her church family was a source of deep friendship and support, especially after Bob’s passing.

Myrna married Robert (Bob) Holman in 1994, and they moved to Gallagher’s Canyon in Kelowna in 1998. They loved their Kelowna summers and spent their winters in warmer places around the world, often travelling with friends from Gallagher’s and with extended family.

Myrna’s life was rich in family, friendship and community. Whether enjoying a round of golf with the girls, an evening of bunco or mahjong, or one of the many social gatherings she loved, Myrna was happiest surrounded by good friends, laughter and conversation. She had a remarkable circle of friends across Kelowna, Vancouver and Winnipeg, and in recent years she embraced a whole new community of friends during her winters in Mexico. Her warmth, compassion, outgoing nature and genuine love of people made her a cherished friend to so many. Wherever life took her, Myrna built lasting connections. The friendships she nurtured over the decades were among her greatest joys, along with her deep love of family and her delight in watching the next generation grow.

All her life Myrna was grateful for her Manitoba roots and the values they gave her. She met life’s challenges and disappointments with resilience and optimism. Her glass was at least half full, no matter what!

Myrna was predeceased by her husband, Bob, in March 2025. She is survived by her sons, Brad (Paula) and Ian (Vineeta); her stepsons, Chris and Randy; 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; her sister, Joan-Dianne (James); and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 21, at 2 p.m. at Central Okanagan United Church (721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC). The service will be livestreamed on the church Zoom channel and Facebook pages.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Myrna’s memory may be made to Central Okanagan United Church.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

ZOOM (provided by Central Okanangan United Church)
Meeting ID: 871 8097 1824
Passcode: 523290
Facebook (page of Central Okanagan United Church)

Service
Saturday, November 21, at 2 p.m.

Location
Central Okanagan United Church

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Central Okanagan United Church Link: centralokanaganunitedchurch.com/donate

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for MACKENZIE, Myrna Lorraine (Holman) (née Smith) is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, at 2 p.m.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Central Okanagan United Church

721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


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