Obituary of Christine MacKay

Christine MacKay passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on Monday, April 16, 2018.  Born in Pictou in 1940, Christine was the daughter of the late Fred and Anna MacKay of Braeshore.  Christine was born with spina bifida and fought valiantly to live independently and fully.  She faced many surgeries and challenges in her early life.  She completed her early schooling via correspondence and then a commercial course at Pictou Academy.  “When the newness (of walking) wears off, I  will venture farther”  a quote Christine gave in a newspaper article after she spent some time at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre learning how to correctly use her crutches and get fitted for braces and adapted footwear.  She did indeed venture farther to a full life working for 33 years for the Defence Department and living independently.  She was involved in the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the Spina Bifida Association, a volunteer at Help Line and the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre.  She received the Arthur D. Stairs award of merit from the Lieutenant Governor in 1964, and perhaps her greatest joy was receiving recognition from Neptune Theatre as one of the longest standing subscribers.  She had held a season ticket since the theatre opened and volunteered for many years.  She was also a member of Toastmasters and ventured out on the water with Sailable.  Since retirement, Christine took up piano lessons again, and her intense love of music, arts and the entertainment world fulfilled her life.  Soft jazz was always playing in the background in her home and she loved visiting and listening to her many friends in the music world.  Family and friends were of paramount importance to Christine and she valued the art of conversation.  She was not a fan of technology and enjoyed phone calls, visits, a real book and her daily newspaper.  Christine is survived by brothers, Peter (Carol) and Bill (Lynn); sister, Carol (Ken) Kovalske; nieces, Joanna (Dan) Gillis, Susan (Jay) Dafoe, Katie (Devon) MacKay-Wong, Melanie (Brandon Newcombe) MacKay; nephews, Jonathan (Ericka) MacKay and Paul (Kirsten) Kovalske.  Also surviving are grand nieces and nephews, Alex, Anna and Callum Gillis, Mickey and Oola MacKay, Laine and Brynn Dafoe, Vivian Kovalske, and Isaac Wong.  Visitation will be at McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 21, with a service to follow at 3:00 p.m.  Family flowers only please.  Donations in Christine’s memory may be made to Neptune Theatre or a charity of your choice.