Winifred "Winnie" Maureen Mackey
July 30, 1934 ~ April 12, 2024
Age 89, a loved mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024. Winnie was born in Ashland, Wisconsin on July 30, 1934, to Francis and Mary Ryan and grew up in Bayfield, Wisconsin with her brother Larry and sister Connie. She graduated from St. Mary’s Nursing School in 1955. Winnie and her former spouse, William “Bill” Mackey welcomed six children while living in Forest Lake, MN. Winnie worked as a registered nurse at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater for many years until her retirement in 1999. Winnie had most recently lived in Arden Hills, MN where she enjoyed gardening, reading and visiting with her many friends and neighbors.
Winnie will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who looked for the joy in every day and the good in every person she met. She wanted others to feel cared for and enjoyed giving her time, love and energy to those most important to her, including her family, friends and neighbors.
She will be remembered and missed by many including her sister, Constance “Connie” Hebert; her children Denise (Greg) Loya, Catherine Arndt (Tim Motschenbacher), John (Sara) Mackey, William “Bill” Mackey, Thomas (Sandra) Mackey and Paul Mackey; her grandchildren Corey (Patrick) Morrison, Kelly (Derek) Jackson, Chad Arndt, Blake Loya, Jessica Mackey, Justin Mackey, Kyle Mackey, Alexandra Mackey, Jay Banks and Jeremy Banks; her great-grandchildren Beau and Easton Anderson, Logan, Luke and Isaac Morrison, and Owen Jackson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Francis and Mary Ryan, brother, Larry Ryan, her sister-in-law Marcidise Ryan, brother-in-law Leonard “Len” Hebert, sister Elizabeth “Bib” Meierotto, and brother-in-law Arthur Meierotto.
Winnie gave to many charities throughout her lifetime, always thinking of others first. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Winifred Mackey. According to her wishes, a memorial service will not be held but a small gathering of friends and family will share stories and remember our loving Winnie.
“I hope you look for something wonderful in each new day. Sometimes, just the smallest thing can make your day brighter or better than it was before you noticed it.” – Winifred Mackey
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Sending much love to the entire Mackey family. ❤️ She was such a classy lady and I know she wild be sorely missed by all.
My condolences to the Mackey family.
I lived down the road from Winnie in Arden Hills and we met because my dog (also named Winnie) and I would stop to visit with her while she was out in her garden or while she was getting her mail. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Winnie well, but every time we spoke she brightened my day with her kind words and sweet smile. My sincerest condolences to those that loved her.
Winnie was a wonderful neighbor and friend. During the warm season. I would walk by her hose, often multiple times each day, where I could enjoy the beautiful flowers and a little chat with Winnie. We shared a love for Bayfield, WI, and I always enjoyed hearing about her family.
May she always live in your memory. Peace and blessings, Jane Larson
The nicest act one can do for another is the be a friend. The best of friends show kindness and extend hospitality. One knows a true friend because that friend is alway happy to see another friend.
That was Winnie. We were friends for only 10 months, but I will always remember her kind heart, her listening ear, and most of all her empathetic heart. I was her neighbor for only a short time but Winnie will always be near and dear to me.
I’m both sad and blessed. I’m sad Winnie has passed but I am blessed with such a fond memory of the best neighbor One could ever have.
Rest in pease Winnie.
Your neighbor Tom
Winnie my friend, I will miss you so much. You always spread beauty and joy to everyone coming down our street. Your friendliness was a gift you shared with others as you cared for your flowers and always took time to visit with everyone walking by. You will leave a lasting impact on our community because of your kindness and generosity. I know you are spreading joy in heaven as spring arrives and you continue to share your knowledge of kindness and beauty. With all my love, your friend, Sally Stamos
It makes my heart soar, to read the kind tributes to Mom, from neighbors and friends! Thank you so much for your kind words. We had so many people stop by and share their memories it was very comforting. Thanks
Cathy
I first met Winnie at Stillwater Prison where she showed me how to be a prison nurse. She was a small person who had a huge presence. Her manner with inmates was respectful and fair and Inmates knew not to cross her.
Even after we left the prison work we stayed close friends. We shared many laughs, lunches, outings and memories together and I will miss her dearly. My sympathies go out to her family.
Dear Denise, Cathy, John, Tom, Bill & Paul, and your families,
My deepest condolences to you all for the loss of your mother. I was thinking of your Mom and ran across this tribute. What a remarkable, resilient, beautiful & gentle soul. In the intensity of the crowd that is our family your Mom was a calm precious flower who was rooted deep and could take the heat. I’ll always cherish memories of the wildness of our youth and the pure joy of having cousins like the Mackey’s. I will miss your Mom but feel so very blessed to have known her.
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. ☘️❤️ Barb (Maloney) Utech