Krista Gallant, 60

Glace Bay, N.S.

Krista Ann Gallant passed away December 26, 2025, surrounded by her family after a long and hard-fought battle with a rare cancer. Born in Glace Bay, she was the youngest daughter of the late Gerald and Jean Shaw (MacKay). Krista grew up and attended school in both Glace Bay and Margaree, graduating from Margaree Forks District High School.

Krista lived a life full of adventure and accomplishments. She qualified for and competed in the world powerlifting championship in 1989. She was also an avid scuba diver, logging hundreds of dives around Cape Breton and the Caribbean, and is how she met her husband, Shane.

Since she was a child, her favourite way to spend free time in the winter was snowmobiling from the family property in Margaree. Countless miles were logged, laughs were had, and cherished memories made.

Many of Krista ‘s recent summers were spent camping in Dunvegan. She loved the beach and made many lifelong friendships during her time there. Krista also loved to travel, and she traveled extensively, both with Shane and with her friends. There was always a new place on her list to explore. She also had many jobs, from running a seafood shop in Sydney to running a Beavertails franchise in both West Virginia and Cavendish PEI. But Krista found her true passion in nursing, graduating in 2007 and practicing in Kentville, Edmonton and at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in both ICU and ER until her illness made her unable to nurse any longer. Her illness may have limited her physically, but of course she found a new hobby to excel in– quilting. Her quilts are beautiful and colorful and truly reflect her personality. She also loved spending time with the many quilting friends she made along the way.

Krista is survived by her loving husband, Shane, her three stepdaughters, Stefanie, Naomi, and Jan, as well as their partners and children. She is survived by her brother Grant Shaw (Maria), sister, Jeri Macneil (Reggie), and nieces, Bobbi Jean, Geralyn, Jami, and Katherine, as well as nephews Travis, Justin, and Kyle.

Krista is also survived by numerous friends, notably her best friend Geralyn Dowe, and Debbie Boutilier, who were both an enormous support to Krista during her recent illness. Thank you.

Besides her parents, Krista is predeceased by her sister, Darlene Murphy, and nephew Breton Murphy.

Krista had the heart of a lion. She was courageous in her fight against cancer-she never gave up and fought until the very end. Her heart was also enormous for those that she loved. She showed up for them and gave her love and time freely and generously. Anyone that knew Krista would have a story about how she helped them or inspired them in one way or another.

Donations can be made in Krista’s memory to the Nova Scotia SPCA- Cape Breton Shelter, or the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation - the Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund.

A Celebration of Life for Krista will be held in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and service at 12 p.m., with a reception to follow.

To share words of condolence with Krista’s family please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.