Vinette McKenzie

Vinette McKenzie was born in Kellits, Jamaica on Tuesday, May 27, 1930, the daughter of Frederick McKenzie and Ethel Sinclair.  She spent her early years in and around Clarendon and on January 17, 1948 Vinette was married to Robert S. Donaldson.  To this union were born 11 children. Some of Vinette's early childhood memories learning how to sew with her mother who was an accomplished seamstress and getting up early tending the garden before going to school. Some of her fond memories as a child  were going to church.  Later her future husband would follow her to church where they would fall in love.  After moving to America she cleaned homes.  In 1967 she graduated from the Lincoln school of nursing from Los Angeles, California.  She practiced nursing in New York, New Jersey and Florida for almost 30 years and retired at age 62.   Vinette was a very caring compassionate and conscientious nurse.  Most of her career she worked nights so that she could be home with her family as needed in the daytime.  She was an incredible provider for her family. Raising nine children was not easy but Vinette made it work.  Growing up the kids remember fond memories going to many beaches including Connecticut beach. Vinette enjoyed the Staten Island ferry and going on picnics.  The kids remember making simple toys from things that she would bring home from the hospital.  Because of her long hours and needing sleep she taught the kids how to be quiet.  It was quite impressive to see all her kids neatly dressed up sitting quietly at church. Vinette was a strict and loving mother and always gave an explanation of why one must be disciplined.  Over the years this has engendered respect, love and admiration for her.  She always encouraged to improve and not settle for less.  She wouldn't just tell you the right way to do something and you had to do it right. Her words were good to live by.  Vinette loved getting together with her kids every year.  She was an excellent cook and Thanksgiving it was always special. One Thanksgiving in the Bronx was meaningful being altogether in a small space. She loved her kids, whether far or near she never gave up on them.  She often said, "my family are my friends and that's all I need."  One of the greatest family gatherings were for her 75th birthday celebration in Maryland.  She just loved being home with her family.  To say that Vinette enjoyed gardening is an understatement, her green thumb could grow anything and everything.  She was very practical and nothing would prevent her from building are making anything. For a time she  painted apartments which became into an artistic interest later in life.  She enjoyed sewing and embroidering. Vinette was a strong woman.  She had an internal strength and downright stubbornness at times.  There was no faking it. She was true to herself.  You could not get by with her quick wit and telling a good joke. Growing up she was in the Church of England. At age 17 she was baptized in the river in Jamaica as a Seventh-day Adventist a Christian.  Vinette had a firm and strong belief in God. She was a woman of prayer which helped her get through many of the times of tribulation.  She was devoted to going to church even though tired. She instilled her faith in her kids through Bible lessons and church activities every Friday night and Sabbath. Finally, on Tuesday, January 12 2016, the Lord granted her sweet rest.  Vinette is survived by Hetty, Enoch, Robertine, Lamech, LaRosa, Daniel, Kathleen, William and Janet.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a great great grandmother. All who knew her will miss her.
  
  

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