Obituary of Alicia McKenzie

McKenzie, Alicia January 20, 1976 – April 22, 2022 Alicia Jennine McKenzie was born in Oshawa on January 20, 1976, to parents the late Ross McKenzie and Reverend Carol (McKenzie) Reardon-Smith. She is loved by stepdad Terry, sister Alanna, brother Brendan (Ashley), niece Abbigail, and nephews Nikolas and Ethan. She has been special to aunt Alice (Louis) Formosa, uncles John and Brian (Joan) Reardon, and many cousins and friends including godmother "Nini" Jennine King. Predeceased by loving aunts Gladys, Jean, and Marlene. She died in London on April 22, 2022, surrounding by her loving family. Her student days were at Byron Southwood and Oakridge Secondary in London. Alicia began her acting/singing/public speaking career as Mary in the Christmas pageant at church. She was a member of Riverside UCC in London and a Girl Guide to the level of the Canada Chord. She was an accomplished musician and loved to play French horn with the Oakridge Secondary band. Alicia received her honours BA from Brescia College with her mentor Pat Skidmore. Her masters and doctoral studies were at University of Toronto where she started teaching at the main and neighbouring campuses and Ontario Tech University. She has been with Wilfrid Laurier University for 15 years and has continued as a well-loved professor in the history and medieval departments until the time of her death. Her experiences included teaching, training, research, and administration roles within the field of higher education. She was involved in instructional design, curriculum development, innovative pedagogy, active learning, professional training, and workshop design. Alicia has been published in papers, journals, and books. In addition to teaching at Laurier, she has been an instructor Conestoga College for six years. Throughout her years in school and teaching, Alicia was the recipient of many awards and honours, her proudest being her Teaching Award of Excellence at Laurier. Her devotion to helping her students succeed was her passion she shared with the world. Burial will take place at a later date in Oshawa. A memorial service will be held at Wilfred Laurier University in September. For more details see Evans Funeral Home London Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations will continue to be accepted for a memorial scholarship in her name at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario or through the following link: https://www.laurieralumni.ca/alicia Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home, 648 Hamilton Road, London, Ontario (519-451-9350). Online condolences can be expressed at www.evansfh.ca Services: Burial Location Oshawa Union Cemetery, Oshawa ON Requested Charity https://www.laurieralumni.ca/alicia for a memorial scholarship at Wilfred Laurier University