On December 15th, Tenny passed away peacefully in her home, where she was able to enjoy her last few years with close family and friends.
Tenny, who was named after her mother and grandmother, was born in Vancouver to Ora Lundy (nee Matheson) and Robert Lundy; she was predeceased by both parents and is survived by her sister Dale Wilson.
Tenny was born during the devastating polio outbreak; her mom had become afflicted and neither mother nor infant were expected to survive. Tenny was fortunately spared by the disease and was cared for by her maternal grandmother as her mother fought and survived the terrible virus.
Tenny grew up in Point Grey, attending Queen Mary Elementary School and Lord Byng Secondary School. After graduation from high school, she completed her degree in Education at the University of British Columbia. After leaving UBC, the start of her life-long teaching career in Vancouver began.
In 1970 she married her high-school sweetheart and “Love of her Life,” Neil McDaniel. In the years following, they built their careers alongside one another. In 1983, their first daughter Elisabeth was born, followed by Cathryn, in 1984. Tenny was a loving and devoted mother to her two girls and adored being a mom.
Tenny’s affection for children was evident through her love of teaching the primary grades; she worked at many elementary schools in Vancouver. Almost half of her career was spent at General Gordon Elementary School teaching kindergarten, a grade she especially loved. She was a dedicated and inspiring teacher who fostered a love of learning. She provided an enriched learning environment and particularly enjoyed sharing art and science with her students. She was never one to throw away anything useful and amassed a plethora of materials with which to bring to life many fun and unique activities meant to engage every child who entered her classroom. She believed that creating an atmosphere of encouragement, curiosity, imagination and empathy would provide a positive foundation for each child she taught. Her former students still recall her kind, gentle and compassionate demeanor and her creative and inspiring classrooms. After 35 years with the Vancouver School Board she packed up her classroom one last time and retired in the early 2000s.
Raising two girls and teaching full-time didn't leave room for much else, but ever determined, Tenny found time for the things that made her happy. She was a volunteer canvasser for many organizations, she enjoyed reading, drawing and painting, loved gardening and truly appreciated nature. She was inquisitive and intelligent. She loved to dance (especially with Neil!) and sing. Tenny had a special talent for designing and renovating spaces; kitchens, bathrooms and even bigger projects (there was always something on the go). Tenny grew up with a passion for the ocean and it was only natural that she learned to scuba dive. She and Neil travelled to the Bahamas and Bonaire where they explored the beautiful coral reefs of the Caribbean and had many adventures diving the kelp forests of British Columbia and New Zealand.
In retirement Tenny and Neil traveled to New Zealand, Hawaii and the Maritime provinces, and shared adventures on their treasured boat, the NorthCrest. Thetis Island and Sechelt Inlet were both places she loved to be. Visiting long-time friends always put a smile on her face. Most of all, she devoted her time to her family. She loved to be with her one and only, Neil, was very close with her mother Ora, and enjoyed spending time with her two girls, and later her beloved grandchildren.
In 2016 she began experiencing falls and symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease, and was diagnosed the following year with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare degenerative disease of the brain that affects muscle movement, motor skills, speech and many other functions. In the years following her mobility was steadily reduced, eventually requiring the use of a wheelchair. Despite her difficulties, she always maintained a positive outlook and never complained about her circumstances; she showed grace and fortitude, and was always so appreciative for all the support and care she received. She was sweet, kind and selfless to the end.
To know Tenny was to know her heart. She was a thoughtful and generous person who touched many people's lives. She always looked for the good in others and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. She loved the many animals in her life and was always ready to help and give comfort to an animal or person in need; you could always depend on her love and support. Tenny was energetic and lively, had a fun sense of humour and an infectious laugh.
She was much loved and will be greatly missed by her husband Neil; daughter Elisabeth (Stan Jankovic) and grandchildren Michael and Matthew; daughter Cathryn (Jim Piskor) and grandchildren Abigail, Brynn and Jack; as well as her extended family and many cherished friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her wonderful caregivers, Glory Dueck and Jethra Bartolome, who provided the loving support and care that made the last months of her life as safe and comfortable as possible.
At this time of Covid-19 no service is planned. A Celebration of Life will be announced when conditions allow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson Society BC or CurePSP would be greatly appreciated.