Obituary of Courtney Yvonne Keffen

KEFFEN: Courtney Y. Keffen, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday September 5th, 2016. She was born May 10, 1994 in Rustenburg, South Africa. Her family relocated to Canada and Courtney completed most of her schooling in Brandon, Manitoba. She graduated with honours from the Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School and was then accepted into the St. Francis Xavier University Nursing Program in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Her goal was to eventually work in Oncology. Her compassion stretched far and wide as she received the Bruce Austin Memorial Award for Citizenship in 2007. This was awarded to an individual for demonstrating kindness, respect, and social responsibilities at school and amongst the community. Not only did she care deeply for those around her, but also for the wildlife of her birth country, South Africa. Fortunately, her wish came true in 2014 and again in 2016 where she returned to enjoy safaris and see the beautiful country she left as a young child. Her interests included traveling, reading, painting, home decorating and fishing! Courtney is survived by her parents Robert and Bianca; her sister Kiera; as well as her Grandmothers Mayme Keffen and Valerie Thompson-Weber; Step-Grandmother Julie Kempken and aunts, uncles, and cousins in Canada and South Africa. Courtney is predeceased by her Grandfathers Carl Kempken and Hugh Keffen. Courtney was an outstanding example of strength and determination. Her fight was long and courageous leaving her legacy to be admired by all who knew her. She asked to be remembered in celebration and to forget the formalities, but to carry on with the "shenanigans". To honour her wishes, a Celebration of Courtney's Life will be held at Central United Church, 327 – 8th street, on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Her wish was for those attending the Celebration to wear happy and colourful clothing. Donations in memory of Courtney may be made to Westman Dreams for Kids, Unit 4-940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 0P6.