Maxine "Mac" (McKenzie) WOODS

Maxine "Mac" Woods was born December 16, 1932, to Lily and Donald McKenzie, just ahead of her mirror twin, Marlene "Maddy" (McMillan). After their dad passed away, the young twins moved into Plenty, where Lily operated a tearoom and took in boarders.

In December 1952, Mac married Douglas Woods, beginning a remarkable partnership that lasted 69 years until Doug's passing in September 2022. They left their first home, the "penthouse suite" above the telephone office in Plenty, for a house in the northwest end of town, where they welcomed Wes, Myrna and Lori in 1954, 1955, and 1956. In 1958, they bought and renovated the old Winslow School into a home for their family, which grew with the arrival of Wayne in 1960 and Warren in 1962.

During these early years, Doug worked as custodian and bus driver for the school division, farming part time out on his sister Ethel’s farm southeast of town. They moved out to the McKenzie family farm in 1973, a place that became the heart of the Woods family, filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless memories for children, grandchildren, and friends.

Avid curler, dedicated member of the church choir, prompter for local theatre productions, cookbook aficionado, student of piano, and active community volunteer – Mac was a woman of many talents and interests. She served as the administrator for the Village of Plenty from 1987 to 1997, a job she (and her grandchildren “coworkers”) truly enjoyed.

Like her sister Maddy, Mac inherited her mother’s gift for warm hospitality. Whether at the farm, the famous garage coffee club in town, or their condo in Saskatoon, the door at Mac and Doug's was always open. Their home was a gathering place where coffee time would stretch into lunch, happy hour, and then supper followed by games and singsongs till late. No one ever left hungry or without feeling loved.

Mac's cooking warmed both bodies and souls, and her support of Doug was unwavering. No matter how many times he told the same joke, Mac laughed the most. Their partnership was one of true devotion, kindness, and acceptance. Their retirement was happy, healthy, and filled with adventure, with winters in Victoria; travel to the Maritimes, Ontario, Tennessee, Washington, and more; and as many visits with their grandchildren in Saskatoon and Calgary as they could fit in.

Mac was predeceased by her husband Doug, her twin sister Maddy, brother Wally (McKenzie), and sister Hazel (Dougall). She will be dearly missed by her five children: Wes (Melanie), Myrna (Bill), Lori (Dan), Wayne (Marion), and Warren (Lynn); her 12 grandchildren: Jackie, Jeremy, Chris, Laurae, Erin, Leah, Dayna, Jamie, Elizabeth, Jesse, Megan, and Joel; her 17 great-grandchildren: Taylen, Nick, Riley, Ellie, Clara, Cameron, Ollie, Quinn, Kiera, Gavin, Maddie, Léa, Dak, Elliot, James, Drae, and Alice; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and countless friends and neighbours.

Mac lived a life defined by family, community, and generosity. Her legacy of kindness, laughter, and open doors will continue through all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends will join to celebrate Mac’s life in Plenty Friday, May 2nd at 1pm, with a service at the Plenty United Church followed by a light lunch at the hall. In lieu of flowers, Mac’s family invites donations to the Friendship Inn.