Obituary of Christina Magdalen MacGillivray

Christina Magdalen MacGillivray, aged 91 of James River, Antigonish, died peacefully in St.Martha’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Antigonish, on February 16, 2026.
 
Born in Lakevale, Antigonish County on June 12,1934, she was a daughter of the late Danny Angus and Margaret (MacDonald) Boyd, the 10^th child of a family of 14 children.

Chris was a woman of very strong faith, going regularly to Mass, every day if she could.  Her holy rosaries were abundant and were never very far from her reach. She was also a lifelong member of the CWL of St Joseph’s Parish,  Antigonish County.

Chris volunteered at the Respect Life Centre for many, many years and was known far and wide for her fudge. Even after her retirement, she still fulfilled her role there as a fudge supplier.

Chris was happiest in her kitchen making something to eat for someone -  whether it was for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, visitors or that weekly care package for the St. Joseph’s Parish priest. Oh those biscuits, with her homemade strawberry jam, no one left her house without having a biscuit and tea or a bag to take out the door.  

She was always up for a good card game with the neighbors up the road, or her family from the Lake. She had a real knack for telling stories with each one having perhaps just a little different twist from the times you heard them before.

She was known as Nana to her five grandchildren and Nana2 to her six great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Chris was a devoted wife to Forbes for 66 years, supporting him by being the homemaker while he worked long hours building his business.  She wasn’t on the payroll but she spent many evenings and weekends supporting the business.

She is survived by her daughters Joan and Judy, sons Danny (Brenda) and Reg (Anne); grandchildren Nathan (Carolyn);  Mike;  Sarah (Justin Delorey); Brian (Jen); Great-grandchildren Anneke and Forbes, Luke and Wren MacGillivray, Jack and Charlotte Delorey; sisters Martha MacDonald (late Deannie); Lucille Dunn (late Walter); Rita Fougere (Russell); brothers Alex (late Tena); John (Cordis); sister-in-law Helen Toth (late Joseph). 

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband Forbes, a child in infancy, grandson Mark MacGillivray and great-granddaughter Nora MacGillivray. Chris was also predeceased by her siblings, Josie (late Helen); Marguerite (late Myles Boyd); Tada (late Jim O’Neil); Buddy (late Terry); Jerome (late Kay); Blaise (late Jean);  Marie (J.P. Hendricken); and a brother in infancy.

Family would like to thank the entire staff at Parkland Antigonish, who made Mom’s transition from her home very welcoming and supportive with their great care, above and beyond. that they gave Mom. The family would also like to thank the Palliative Care Team, nurses and staff on the Palliative care unit at St. Martha’s Hospital.  Also like to thank Dr. M. Murphy for her care of mom over the years and also her caregiver, Lorraine  Pelly.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Thursday, February 19th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will take place at 10 am on Friday in St. Joseph's Church, St. Joseph's, Reverend Andrew Boyd presiding. Burial at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Antigonish Right to Life.  Online condolences may be made by visiting www.MacIsaac.ca