When health issues forced her to give up heavy work she turned to the community, juggling the roles of Progress Ngongotaha's co-ordinator and parish council administrator for St Barnabas' church, retiring from both in 2014.
Ms McKechnie was a member of the Conservation Board, a Forest and Bird Society supporter, Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer, Women's Refuge supporter, a Curtain Bank trustee and U3A groups' member.
She was a dedicated fundraiser for Ngongotaha projects including concerts, parish dinners and Roots for Empathy, an international programme aimed at addressing aggression and bullying, adopted by the local school.
An avid student of Te Arawa history, she became companion to Rotorua's late historian, Don Stafford.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick, a close friend of both, described that relationship as "intellectual and supportive".
She said Ms McKechnie was a wonderful community soul, an environmentalist with a deep love of nature.
"She was certainly an activist - I am sure every politician has had a letter from her. When she cared about an issue she pushed political buttons.
"On the other hand, she was a wonderful, gentle lady with a very kind heart ... a very special person who lived for the moment and invested in the community in which she lived."
Judy Gregor, a fellow Ngongotaha lynchpin who worked closely with Ms McKechnie, described her as someone totally committed and dedicated to others.
"She was one of those people who gave 110 per cent of whatever she undertook," Mrs Gregor said.
Ms McKechnie is survived by her two sons, their wives and four grandchildren.
