In Loving Memory

Neita J.
Avery (nee McKay)
age 90
Neita is lovingly remembered by her 
children Garry, Kathryn, and Murray, 
as well as their families.
Neita was predeceased by her 
husband William in 1993.

Died
January 23, 2022
Boundary Trails Health Centre
Winkler, Manitoba

Memorial Service 
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Rock Lake Pastoral Charge 
Crystal City, Manitoba
11:00 a.m.
**Proof of double vaccination required to attend, 
covid protocols will be followed.**

 

Donations in memory of Neita may be made 
to the Rock Lake United Church Camp;
 Box 395 Crystal City, MB R0K 0N0. 

Neita Joyce Avery (McKay)

Neita Joyce Avery passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022. She was born on July 4, 1931 to Doug and Violet McKay. Neita grew up on their family farm just west of Pilot Mound with two sisters, Ruby and Shirley and two brothers Mervin and Jack. Neita attended school in Pilot Mound and upon graduating went to Manitoba Normal School in Winnipeg to become a teacher. When she completed her education she returned home and married the love of her life, William (Bill) Avery, on July 5, 1952. They farmed in the Crystal River district and raised three children Garry, Kathryn, and Murray.

Neita’s first teaching job was at the one room Crystal River School. When she got her first cheque, she was so happy she threw the money in the air and shouted with joy (her annual salary was $1500!). When Bill and Neita started their family, she then began teaching at the big school in Clearwater while also helping on the farm. She also took on coordinating the Canadian Census for our region and did so with enthusiasm and dedication.

Church and church related work was always an important part of Neita’s life. She enjoyed being part of the United Church community and offered her time and talents with music to both the junior and senior choirs and directed an amazing Christmas Contata for several years. Neita spent many years curling making sure her children knew how to curl as well! She and Bill had many hours hauling children to hockey, figure skating, baseball and 4-H. Neita often said she wouldn’t have traded those years for anything! That was proven when they continued to follow their grandchildren’s activities. But with the family more spread out, the miles got longer but they always showed up! She was always involved and doing her share wherever she was needed. 

Neita and Bill were avid members of the Rock Lake Gun Club as well and spent many a Sunday at the lake trapshooting and serving luncheons. Bill passed away in 1993 and in 1997, Neita moved to Clearwater. She continued her driving only this time the passengers were a little more her age and her very dear friends! But she made sure they all got to where they needed to go and of course gave her cause to get in her car and roll on down the highway.

Neita became very involved in the Rock Lake United Church Camp and dedicated many hours to making sure there were grants available to help it run smoothly, staff to fulfill the summer duties and volunteers available for work bees. She just beamed with joy and excitement when she would return from a day with the campers!

 A great source of pride for Neita and her family was when she received the Canadian Camping  Association Award of Excellence. But what is significant and memorable was that in her acceptance speech she diverted the attention away from her and instead spoke of all the people that volunteered and made a contribution to the success of the camp. As Neita said “It’s good for a person to give back. That’s how things keep moving along.” She was a committed leader that recognized what could be done through empowering people. Neita also loved the quilt auction that was held every 2 years to raise money for the camp and frequently donated her quilts for auction.

Neita moved to the suites at Prairie View Lodge in Jan 2020 and truly enjoyed her 2 years there! She was able to reconnect with old friends and get better acquainted with folks from neighbouring communities. Her sister was in PVL and her brother and sister-in-law were just down the street. She was very happy in her new home! It was a win for all!

Neita leaves behind her 3 children -  Garry, Kathryn (Gerald Deines),and Murray (Connie Vincent).
 9 grandchildren – Nicole (Archie Chappellez), Jennifer, Krystal (Clint Maxwell), BJ (Rachel Ort); Kristopher (Brittany), Chad;  and Angie (Don Semenowich), Travis and Jamie (Kelvin Fry),
And 6 great grandchildren – Abbey Logan, Treyson, Sloan, Lincoln, Tristan and Rowan.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. – Winnie the Pooh”

If friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Neita to:
Rock Lake United Church Camp Inc.
Box 395, Crystal City, MB R0K 0N0