Obituary of Christena Marie White

White, Christena Marie “Christie” (MacNeil) February 2, 1937 – October 1, 2024. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, Christena White, who died at the Glace Bay Hospital on October 1st, aged 87. Christie is survived by her children Michelle (Shayne) Savoy, Dr Melissa White, Martin (Claire) White; grandchildren Jillian (Johnathan) Canning, Mallory Savoy (Shaun Robson), Keegan Savoy, Alex White, Ethan White; great-grandchildren Kallum, Rory, Orla, Iris and Wynn; siblings Charlotte Mulak and Peggy MacInnis; daughter-in-law Jennifer Whalen, and many nieces and nephews. Christie is predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Lloyd White, who died 66 days prior, son John in infancy, son Michael, step grand-daughter Rachel Whalen, and siblings Theresa “Tootsie” Fraser, Malcie, Pius, Hughie, Mary “Sissy” Ruelland, Mary Lalo, Bernadette “Bunny” Murphy, Francis, Johnny, and Stanley. Born in Castle Bay in 1937 to Alexander Roderick “Alex R” MacNeil and Elizabeth (Farrell), Christie moved with her family to Big Pond in 1942. After her mother passed away when Christie was 16, she became a mother-figure in the house, caring for her younger siblings. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Lloyd White, in Big Pond, where they started their family. During their early married life, they also lived in New Victoria, and Surrey, B.C., before settling in Dartmouth in 1970, to finish raising their children. It was there that Christie and Lloyd opened their doors to family and friends, especially to those who were studying or looking for work. They built a small bungalow in Big Pond where they spent every summer, welcoming family and friends of all ages. When Lloyd retired in 1993, they returned to Big Pond and moved into a beautiful house, which Lloyd built, overlooking the Bras D’Or Lake. Christie loved her community of Big Pond and spending time at the Fire Hall, where she enjoyed playing tarabish, darts, dancing, and listening to live music. Christie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was happiest surrounded by her family and took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored. She was an exceptional hostess, cook, and baker, her door always open and her fridge full of delicious treats for all to enjoy. She was renowned for her chili, which attracted many friends following countless dances at the Big Pond Fire Hall. But it was her tourtière that held a special place in our hearts, eagerly awaited and thoroughly savoured every Christmas Eve. Christie spent her summer days on the beach in Big Pond. As the family expanded, along with “our spot” on the beach, so did her pride. It truly was her happy place, a feeling inherited by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christie also loved travelling and visiting new countries. She visited her daughter Melissa in Australia and son Martin in England and enjoyed other holidays with her children including Cyprus, Madeira, Ibiza, France, Spain, Cuba, The Netherlands, Austria, Ireland and Hong Kong. Christie was incredibly proud of her family and the life that she and Lloyd built. Her sense of humour, loving heart, and fierce spirit will be deeply missed. We are finding comfort in the thought that Mom & Dad/Nanny & Grampy/NanNans & Stinky Dog are together again. We would like to thank Christie's primary care physician, Dr. Ian Doyle, her surgeon Dr. Chris Hamilton, and the nurses and staff of the Long-Term Care Unit at the Glace Bay Hospital for their exceptional care of Christie. They treated her with kindness, dignity and respect. A family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the IWK Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.