Christina McDONALD

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McDONALD: Christina Shields (nee Hickie) - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Christina Shields McDonald. Christina passed away on Sunday, April 10th, 2011 at Hillcrest Place surrounded by her family. Christina was born in Dundee, Scotland, on August 8th, 1922, the second youngest of five siblings. After receiving her education, Christina worked in a theatre and a candy factory. During World War II Christina worked in an ammunitions factory. It was during this time she met Herb McDonald while he was serving in the Armed Forces. Herb was shipped home to Canada in 1945 and they continued their romance by letters across the Atlantic. In 1947, Herb had saved enough money for Christina's ticket to Canada. She traveled all alone from Scotland to New York by plane and then by train to Winnipeg where they were married. Christina grew up in a big city, so rural life on a farm was quite a shock but she adjusted quickly. In 1948, three months following the birth of her daughter Linda, Christina was diagnosed with T.B. and spent the next three years in St. Boniface Sanatorium recovering. In 1958, another daughter, Anne was born. Throughout the years Christina worked hand in hand with her husband to ensure their farm's success. She learned to milk cows, drive the tractor and any other farm chores that needed doing. This, of course, was in addition to making meals, tending the house and raising a family. It was not uncommon to see Christina cultivating a field with baby Anne sleeping in a make shift bed on an old John Deere tractor. Christina was a member of the Currie Ladies Sewing Circle and, although she didn't like to "sew", she crocheted many doilies and edgings on pillowcases for this organization. Christina curled in MacGregor for many years and continued to love watching the sport. Following retiring from farm life, Christina found herself back in a City. While on the farm the nearest Catholic Church was 40 miles away, so being in Brandon allowed her to pursue her Catholic Faith and she attended Mass every week either at St. Augustine's or St. Hedwig's. Living in Brandon also afforded her more time to spend with her oldest grandchildren. Christina traveled miles and miles to watch her grandson, Richard, play hockey. She loved to watch her granddaughters, Barbara and Katherine play baseball games and attended all their music recitals. During the past five years Christina spent a lot of quality time with her oldest granddaughter as Barbara had become a very important part of the care giving aspect of her grandmother's life in the nursing home. Christina was predeceased by her husband, Herb, her three brothers and two sisters and her son-in-law Jim McMahon. She is survived by her daughter Linda (Brian) Burton, (Brian always bragged that he had the best mother-in-law in the world), granddaughter Barbara (Gary) Miller, great-granddaughter Ashley Miller, granddaughter Katherine (Rob) Waldo, great-granddaughters Kaitlyn and Stephanie Waldo, great- grandson Taylor Waldo, grandson Richard (Carrie) Burton, great-grandson Dylan Burton, great-granddaughter Madison Burton, her youngest daughter Anne McMahon, grandson Brett McMahon, granddaughter Kari McMahon, and great-granddaughter Brooklyn McMahon. Christina is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Mary McDonald and Nessie Hickie and many nieces and nephews. Her nephew, Bill (Bev) Roy visited her on a regular basis and had a very special place in her heart. Christina still has family living in Scotland and had made the journey to visit them numerous times over the years. Although Canada was "home" to her - you would catch her waving the "Rampant L ion" Scottish flag anytime Canada competed against Scotland in a curling tournament. The family would like to thank the staff at Hillcrest Place for all the care and affection they gave to Christina. Prayers were held at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. Celebrant was Rev. Fr. James Ahaneku. Pallbearers were family members Brian Burton, Richard Burton, Gary Miller, Bill Roy, Dennis Roy and Rick Roy. Private family interment was held at Portage Hillside Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations in memory of Christina may be made to either the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Box 21047, Brandon, Manitoba, R7B 3W8 or the Lung Association Manitoba, 8 - 940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 0P6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 16, 2011