1921 - 2011 On Thursday, Sept. 8, Mary Kathleen "Ditty" MacKenzie, 90, passed away at Mary Health of the Sick in Newbury Park with family members and the wonderful Sisters at her side.

We have such deep gratitude for the loving care the Sister Servants of Mary and the entire staff provided Ditty during the last five months of her life. They are all incredible.

Ditty was born to Henry and Olga Grimm in Oxnard on May 27, 1921. She was a 4th generation resident of Ventura County and lifelong member of Santa Clara Catholic Church. Ditty graduated from Santa Clara High School and attended Ventura College for two years. Soon after Ditty took employment at the Naval Base in Port Hueneme and later worked 28 years at various schools in the Hueneme School District.

Eventually she settled in the District Office as an Executive Secretary. On Sept. 7, 1948, Ditty married Donald MacKenzie and they shared 34 years of marriage before he passed away in 1981. Preceding her in death were her brother, Hank Grimm, and her sister, Pauline Noffsinger. In 2001 her oldest son Mike unexpectedly passed away.

For many years Ditty was active in the Right to Life Organization and also volunteered regularly at the Saint Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen. Other activities Ditty enjoyed were gardening, community concerts, plays, and anything that allowed her to be with family and friends. Family barbeques where everyone came together were her favorite but most important were the times she spent with the grandchildren. Attending Mass and recitation of the Rosary were part of her daily routine. Above all else Ditty had strong and unwavering faith in God. Ditty loved all of her friends dearly. Even after her mobility became limited, she realized how fortunate she was that her treasured friends did not forget her. They continued to visit and call her faithfully. She really appreciated this as did her family.

Ditty is survived by her sister, Gloria Fitzgerald of Ojai; sisters-in-law, Pat Grimm of Camarillo and Margaret Cox of Claremont; daughter, Therese Mendonca (Steve) of Oxnard; son, Joe MacKenzie (Maria) of Camarillo; and daughter-in-law, Mary MacKenzie of Camarillo. She also leaves behind her five grandchildren, Kristen, Greg, Elle, Annie, and Luc, and one great-grandson, Michael and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 20, at Santa Clara Mortuary located at 2370 North "H" Street, Oxnard. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Santa Clara Church located at 323 South "E" Street, Oxnard. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Santa Clara Church Building Fund or to Life Centers Ventura County, 522 North "A" Street, suite A, Oxnard, CA 93030.