Verena Oelaria McKenzie, 91, a retired teacher, died unexpectedly due to complications from pneumonia on April 20, 2020. She was 91 years old. 

Verena is survived by 11 children, 29 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. She is joining the love of her life, her husband Roy, her son Roy, her father, Claude L. Walters, her mother, Doris Wilson, and her sisters Lillian and Miriam. 

Verena was born in Camaguay, Cuba, on December 16, 1928. She left Cuba with her father and spent most of her young life and early adult life in Jamaica. In her college years, she met her love, Roy McKenzie. They married in 1953 and started their family. In 1963, Roy and Verena made the ultimate sacrifice and moved their seven children to the United States to start a new life. 

Verena stressed education for her whole life. 

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all that knew her. Whether you knew her as Mom, Grandma, GG, Aunt Nena, Miss Mac,  Mama McKenzie, you would not forget her. She would not let you. She made everyone she met part of her family. Verena was deeply religious, and devoted memeber of her church. She served for years as a Columbiette while her husband was in the Knights of Columbus. She dedicated her time and money to religious causes all over the world. 

Rose is once again dancing with her Boy Blue in heaven.