MCKEE, Colleen July 1, 1963 - November 11, 2020 “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” It is with profound sadness that we as a family announce the passing of Colleen McKee after a short, intense, and incredibly courageous battle with cancer on November 11, 2020. This beautiful light of ours was predeceased by her sister, Diane Krokosz, her father, Gordon Krokosz, her grandparents Alec and Mary Krokosz, and grandparents Dan and Eva Devlin. Colleen continues to watch over her husband Kent McKee; sons Kyle (Chelsea), Carter, and Kane; daughter Maryn; her mother, Lorraine Krokosz; siblings Greg Krokosz, Donald Krokosz, and Rena (Ralph) Cosgrove; niece Amy (Steve) Killick; nephew Ryan (Shannon) Cosgrove; puppies Sophie and Shooey; grandpets Sunday, Brown, and Grey; and numerous cousins, extended family members, and great friends. She was an incredibly loving wife and mother; the depth of her love for Kent, her “Bears”, and her “Tootie” was her ultimate priority, always ensuring they knew how loved and protected they were by her. Second to her hubby and babies were her furbabies (Sophie, Shooey) and grand-dog (Sunday), who stood by her side as they also knew her love. Colleen was incredibly close with her mother, Lorraine, who shared in her joy of watching Colleen raise her children close by. She shared a love for the lake and great music with her brother Greg. Her sister Rena was one of her best friends, spending so many days in early adulthood parenting their kids together, and moving into later years spending many evenings of laughter with their husbands, children, and friends. She was fondly referred to as “Auntie” by her niece and nephew, and their children were naturally drawn to Colleen’s nurturing presence, soon calling her “Auntie” as well and sharing nightly Facetime calls with her to share in their daily giggles and stories. She was so loved by her family, and she cherished her time with them, sharing in the joy and the mundane. Colleen had a natural ability for the arts, with a passion for bringing portraits of loved ones and favourite places to life in vivid paintings and detailed sketches. Earlier in life, Colleen taught art classes to groups of eager students and more recently, continued her passion for art education and socializing by bringing people together over painting and wine. Without a shadow of doubt, her love for people, her zest for life, and passion for the beauty of the North and Flin Flon area continuously shone through the imagery in her art pieces. She was a driving force and advocate of maintaining and improving the quality of life and interest in the Flin Flon community and area. She worked passionately as an active member of the Flin Flon City Council; both in meetings and taking every opportunity to contribute as a hands-on volunteer. Colleen would spend copious amounts of time volunteering towards and brainstorming the ways to restore beautifi cation, opportunities for youth, and excitement of being a part of the north. She worked incredibly hard for others to see the Flin Flon she saw; a beautiful town with so much opportunity for vibrance for existing residents, Flin Flon as a destination for young professionals to raise their families, and as a great northern tourist attraction. She served as a school board member and volunteered as a coach in her daughter’s high school sports as well as learning the ropes to become a celebrated volunteer coach for synchro swim. She put her passions and ideas into motion and her services to the community are proof of this. She loved to travel and to chase the sun and water. She cherished her time at Big Island Lake with Kent and the kids, ripping around the water on seadoos and going for extended swims and boat rides to make the most of our short summers. In recent years, she began to enjoy yearly trips to warm destinations with her family and friends. Just prior to her diagnosis, she shared a memorable trip to Florida with one of her closest childhood besties, Donna, and their husbands. This time is held close in our hearts as their last big “hurrah” together; doing something they loved and sharing so many laughs and sunshine prior to her illness. As a family, we would like to extend our gratitude to the compassionate staff at Flin Flon General Hospital who cared for Colleen during her successes and tough days in hospital. We would also love to give our biggest, warmest thanks to the community that Colleen held in her heart. The hope, support, and care for Colleen and our family has been unparalleled; we are so grateful that she felt your love prior to her passing. Friends and family can make donations via etransfer to cure4colleen@gmail.com; funds will go towards a charity of family choice in Colleen’s honour. Due to restrictions with Covid-19, a small service will be held for her on November 20, 2020 at Dadson Funeral Home. We remain hopeful that we will be permitted to throw a celebration of Colleen’s life in summer of 2021 on her favourite spot at the lake.