Pauline Elizabeth Anne (Ofenheim) Mackay

Pauline Elizabeth Anne Mackay, eldest daughter of Elizabeth and Ernest Ofenheim, passed away at a time of her own choosing in her Toronto home Wednesday October 26, 2022. She was proceeded by her youngest son Ian and survived by her eldest son Dr. Christopher Mackay, daughter-in-law Satomi, her younger sisters Janet and Kathrine, and her grandchildren Fiona and Finlay.

Anne grew up splitting her time between Forest Hill and the family farm, Elmlea, in Aurora. She overcame lifelong breathing challenges from severe childhood asthma that resulted in periods of solitude and hospitalization. But this however did not stop her from becoming dauntless, immensely creative and independent.

Anne was a graduate of Bishop Strachan School and Fairly Dickenson University where she earned a degree in clinical biochemistry. Anne went on to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Toronto where she discovered her true calling: computer programing. After receiving a degree in computer sciences, she went on to work for Bell Canada designing and implementing some of the early computerized control systems that kept the phone systems running.

Anne was an avid skier and one of the original members of Craigleith Ski Club. There was not a winter weekend or holiday that did not see her on her skis and she was one of the stars of Craigleith’s interclub adult racing team. Her enthusiasm instilled a love of the sport in her children.

Later in life, Anne became a staple in both of Toronto’s pottery and weaving communities as well as keeping busy sewing and making preserves for her friends and family.

Anne embodied intellectual curiosity. One look at her voluminous bookshelves would tell one that. Her interests ran from archaeology to molecular biology and all points in between. She loved to speak with both experts and laypersons on all matter of subjects to both learn and share. Her excitement was contagious, and she made friends easily.

Although frugal with herself, she was unstinting in her support of family, friends, cultural institutions, and humanitarian causes. At her request, no formal services will be held. Her ashes will be scattered in the Pacific. Anne asked that any donations in her memory be sent to either Oxfam and/or Doctors Without Borders.

She is missed more than she would have imagined.