Imanta Mckenzie

Imanta "Terry" Zarins McKenzie passed away peacefully Saturday, October 12, 2024 at home after a long illness.

As the Soviets prepared to occupy Latvia in 1944 and her husband had died in WWII, Imanta's mother was forced to flee her beloved homeland. She gave birth to Imanta in Austria on April 9, 1945 and they spent the approximate first 5 months of Imanta's life living outdoors before finding refuge in a displaced persons camp in Germany which was administered by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and Allied authorities. During her summers, Imanta stayed with host families in Holland and Switzerland, experiences she fondly remembered.

In 1957, the family immigrated from Munich, Germany to the United States, crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the USS General Langfit departing from Bremerhaven, Germany and arriving in New York, New York. A very special reunion occurred when they were reunited with Imanta's uncle who was a liberated concentration camp prisoner. They settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan and connected with the vibrant Latvian community in town.

In 1967, Imanta married George McKenzie. The couple then relocated to Muskegon, Michigan four years later where they raised their three children Scott, Ingrid and Walter. For the majority of her life, Imanta was a stay-at-home mother. However, when she reached her 40s, Imanta began working outside of the home for Visiting Nurses, a role she maintained until her retirement.

Imanta, a devoted wife and mother, instilled in her children the values of unconditional love, a strong work ethic, the importance of family unity, and faith in God. Her deep and abiding faith was the foundation of her life, decisions and actions.

Her beloved granddaughters, who affectionately called her "Bubbie," were the center of her world. Listening to their songs and playful riddles never failed to make her smile, and her home was decorated with their drawings and photographs.

Imanta's warmth and love touched the lives of many, and she had many close friends. She freely shared her radiant smile and infectious laughter, her beautiful blue eyes warming the hearts of all who knew her. Imanta's love was boundless, and she gave of herself selflessly.

She is survived by her daughter Ingrid McKenzie (David) Kellaghan and grandchildren Blythe and Neeve Gillian, cousins Aina Ligita Kalejs, Aivers Sprogis, and extended family in Latvia.

She is proceeded in death by her husband of 58 years George McKenzie and sons Scott Lawrence McKenzie, and Walter John McKenzie, her mother Elza Zarins Deimants, father Imants Zarins, stepfather Artūrs Deimants, beloved uncle Jānis Sprogis, cousins Gunta Kalejs, Harry Brandt, and Alida (Karlis) Kocins and children and very special family friends the Lorberg family.

At her request a private celebration of her life and interment will be held.