Violet “Vi” Neill McKinney
October 10, 1918 – April 27, 2018
With tremendous sadness and grief, YWCA of San Diego County announces the passing of Violet “Vi” McKinney, longtime YWCA advocate, donor, and volunteer. We extend our deepest condolences to her daughters Norinne, Molly, and Gayle, and her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Vi and Dan McKinney at the opening ceremony for one of our Becky’s House Transitional Housing communities in 2007. The McKinney’s were major contributors to the multi-million-dollar project.
For more than 30 years, Vi and her late husband, Dan McKinney, enabled our local community and countless individuals and families to find refuge, access life-saving services, and secure self-reliance. From Vi’s tireless volunteer service in our resale shop to significant contributions for the expansion of our Becky’s House® domestic violence programs, their inspirational legacy of giving and unwavering commitment to our mission will live on for generations to come.
In 2014, YWCA renamed the Becky’s House® Emergency Shelter in her honor — The Vi McKinney Becky’s House® Shelter — to memorialize her longstanding passion and dedication to women and families overcoming domestic violence and homelessness.
Vi with her three daughters at a private YWCA event to celebrate her 96th birthday and the renaming of The Vi McKinney Becky’s House Shelter. Left to right: Gayle McKinney-Peterson, Vi McKinney, Molly Schulze, and Norinne McKinney.
Prompted by Dan’s desire to honor his wife in a unique way, the McKinney’s contributed a milestone $5 million gift, which established our Future Fund to ensure financial sustainability and enhance our long-term community impact.
Vi and Dan’s steadfast generosity has given thousands of people the ability to overcome seemingly unsurmountable obstacles and achieve lasting independence. Together, they selflessly strengthened San Diego County through their philanthropy and enabled our community to thrive. As we honor the incredible life and legacy of Vi McKinney, we also celebrate the powerful difference that she made in each of our own lives.
