“When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.” –Unknown 🌹. My dear sister in law Christine had so much love to give and gave it freely. When we think of her, look at a flower or a photo, we can warmly feel that love and see it in her loving family.

My sister Christine always smiled a happy welcome, said a "how are you", with a hug. I miss her and I have cried over the days when she was first told of the illness. My Aunty Ngaire and I prayed for her. She thanked God for her wonderful family, friends and her 49 years of married life. Her heart was to the Lord. I have drawn comfort from Mark 4 v 26 the Lord talks about the ripe and ready for harvest, His timing. In Romans 9 v 11 "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy", His mercy was over all her life and He took her home. You might like to look at the early planting of Celosia where the flowers are as flames on the plant as red, orange, yellow... all the fiery glow of the colours for Chris choice for her early garden along with some long stalk cerise pink (bulb) flowers. She so loved to garden and enjoy the fruits. Love and blessings to Roger, Rachael, Josh and Timothy, Matthew, Phoebe and William and Laura,, Sarah and Andy, and the wider families.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mackay family today. Mrs. Mackay has a special place in our hearts. She always had a warm smile on her face and sprinkled kindness wherever she went. We are so grateful to have known her.

Yes a beautiful lady & will be very much missed by all. Wow a very special service of a life with Jesus Christine who will be remembered.always. My grandson Kauri love his teacher which made going to school important you seemed to understand him. Love always. Save in Jesus arms. Denise

Every Christmas when going through our decorations, these ones always come out. My son Sam who will be 19 this year was in Christine's class in 2011, and he created these, I always think of her when I see them. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. I really enjoyed working alongside her in my roll as a teacher aide at Snells Beach School. I will also always remember her on the 22 April as I share that Birthdate. The Service was lovely, you really did her proud. God Bless you all , our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

What a lovely, heartfelt service - a wonderful tribute to Christine's life of love, service and family. She she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but she is now at home with the Lord in heaven, which is "far beyond all we can ask or even imagine" and "better by far" - a life well-lived Christine. Our love and prayers are with you Roger and family. David and Joy

Christine , you were a beautiful lady inside and out. I loved working in your class with you at Snells beach School . I always admired your incredible teaching skills, your kindness, happiness and zest for life. You will be greatly missed. Much love Kate Jaques ❤️

Lovely service, so thankful we could join from home in Canada. Love to all of you, you are ongoing in our thoughts and prayers.

A lovely Service and beautiful sentiments expressed by the Church, family and others on the life of Christine. May I also pass on my condolences to all those who shared their feelings towards her. My association with Christine came through Roger and the Kowhai Singers. I too enjoyed my short friendship with her as I got to know her ( she helped out on the Hall door at the Choir Concerts). Please know my thoughts are with you Roger and the family. I see that your Faith is a comfort to you all and will continu e to bear you up.. Kind Regards Geoff

So sad to hear of Christine passing - much love to all of you - I will remember her fondly - always smiling xx Sheree

Only knew Christine briefly, but was impressed by a beautiful spirit. a gracious lady. a great loss to Roger and all who knew her.

Dear precious Christine, we love you and miss you. Such a gentle and loving soul, you are now with our Beloved Saviour, in profound joy and peace. Until we meet again. Xxx

Mrs Mackay was a great teacher that handled me when I ran off to my mum, I was in year 1, I will always remember her as a loving, caring teacher - she will be missed

It was with great sadness that we heard of Chris' passing. We met Chris at Snell's Beach Primary in January 2017. We had just moved to NZ and Karl-Emil was starting school. He didn't know a word of English. For the first few difficult months, Chris was the rock both Karl-Emil and I could lean on. So strong. So gentle. This made all the difference. Thank you! We are proud to have met and known Chris, and she will always be fond in our memories. Rest in peace.

So very sorry to hear of Chris's passing. She welcomed me into her class , as a relieving teacher, at SBS with kindness demonstrating her calm and caring nature towards the children. When she retired and I took on her class, it was clear she was missed. I feel privileged to have known her. Deepest sympathy to the family, Carey

It is with deep saddest that I leave this tribute. We were so lucky to have you teach at Snells Beach School. You were a beautiful special caring lady and will be sadly missed by so many. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy to family and friends

It is with deep sadness that I write this, after learning of Chris's passing. My time at Snells Beach School as Associate Principal meant I spent a lot of hours working with Chris. She was a kind, caring gentle person, who related to all the students in her class with her nurturing manner. You will be sadly missed. My thoughts & healing light to surround Roger and your family. Love to you all.

I count it a great gift to have had the good fortune to meet and work with Chris in the founding of Snells Beach School. I admired her gentle loving care with which she treated everyone, her joy, laughter and uplifting smile. These are some of the things that made her such a beautiful, beautiful woman in every aspect. Chris embodied 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: How lucky to have had her as your wife, mum, grandmother, mother in-law, teacher, friend, colleague, acquaintance. I was inspired by her grace and depth of love for her parting journey with god and her family. Ever the teacher. Thank you Chris! Roger and family I have you nested in my heart and will be there with you all, virtually, on Saturday. Arohanui Mackay whanau XO

There are some precious souls that cross one’s life journey leaving in their wake a sense of beauty, love and kindness. Chris touched all with grace and love that knew no bounds. A caring smile, a loving hug and generous spirit are the qualities that we recall. Chris would always drop by our place when we were about for a cup of tea and chat which filled the day with happiness. Chris loved Victoria, Ava and Estella so much and they her. Catch you on the flip side.

I feel exceptionally lucky to have crossed paths with Chris. We first met, as part of the establishment Leadership Team of Snells Beach School. We got to know each other quickly, being a small group, in our temporary office while the school was being built, and then worked together until Chris' retirement. My strongest memory of Chris will always be the speed with which she would smile, laugh and see the positive in any situation. I admired her ability to do that, no matter how tough the moment. She connected with anyone, from any background, in any circumstance, without judgement. At school, Chris has left us with many wonderful memories. Many of these are of her sharing her own passions - especially gardening. Chris' lunchtimes were often spent being followed by a trail of small people, working in the "Garden Club". These kids were often those wanting a buddy or some support in their break times. Some of their lives were tough. Chris would manage the over zealous weeding, and watering of plants and pass on her skills, while listening to their stories and being an adult they could trust. Chris had a really cheeky sense of humour. She loved a good story, and was always one of the first to see the punch line coming. More than anything in her life, Chris drew enjoyment and pride from her family. She would share events and occasions, and I felt really privileged to "get to know" her children through her. She was the proudest grandparent on the planet. Chris was immensely proud of the work that Roger did both through the church, and community - the life they built together is one to be admired. The staff at SBS are deeply saddened to hear of Chris' passing - we send all our love to Roger and her family.

We are less but heaven is greater now that Chris is there. I am so glad I got to be a part of the Snells Beach School Family with’Mrs Mackay’.

Memories - For a Scottish Funeral Anon You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left us. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Love you dearly sis. Your brother Graeme.

"The Catholics of the Warkworth-Puhoi Parish wish to express to Roger and all his family our sorrow on the passing of Christine. May she rest in the peace of God's mercy and may all she leaves behind be comforted."

It was a privilege to call Chris my friend. Every time we caught up no matter how infrequent it was always the same. We talked about our families which Chris’s world revolved around. I will miss you dear friend and my heart goes out to your family. Rest In Peace. Maxine

We consider ourselves so fortunate that the MacKay family became part of our family from the moment Josh met and then married Rachael. Christine has been a wonderful mother-in-law to our son and we could not have wished or prayed for a better person to share the important role of grandparenting with. She was an amazing woman that touched many with her faith and kindness. We are especially thrilled that Timmy was able to spend the last several weeks with ‘Grandma Kiwi’ and have so many precious moments with her. To Roger, Rachael, Josh, Matthew, Phoebe, Sarah, Andy, William, Laura and Timmy - we are thinking of you as you celebrate Christine’s remarkable life. Even though there is joy in the homegoing, there is such sorrow in your loss. We share in your sorrow with love and friendship and extend our heartfelt condolences. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Know that others are missing her right along side of you and sending prayers your way. We feel blessed to have known her.

We are deeply saddened at the news of Christine’s passing. Christine has been a wonderful friend to us over the last 49 years, and it has been a privilege to have known her. We have admired her strong Christian faith and loved her warm and caring personality, together with her positive, outgoing nature. Christine had a special gift for hospitality and always made us feel part of their wider family circle and together we shared many special family events. We have greatly valued her friendship and she will be sadly missed. We extend our sincere sympathy to Roger, Rachael and Josh, Matthew and Phoebe, Sarah and Andy, and Christine’s very precious grandchildren. With our love and prayers, Janice and Gordon, Sarah, Robert and Lori McGavin

Roger, glad I was able to talk with you earlier about Christine. Absolutely stunned - first when Margaret let us know about her condition and then Saturday's message, so quick. Although not very often, always enjoyed meeting with you guys, whether it be birthdays or funerals, so Christine will be sadly missed as part of the cuzzie clan :-(. Sorry we can't be with you on Saturday, but will see if we can use the live stream option from Napier if there's an opportunity during our own "service" there. Stay strong and we'll have to have a catch up during this year ! Love and condolences to you and the kids,

Although I did not know Chris well, I want to say how much I appreciated her kindness and care for my Mum, Yolande. For a few years Yolande, in her early nineties, did reading in the library at Snells Beach School with some other older people. Chris was great at checking in with Yolande about how it was going and would take care to make sure she got messages about what was happening. Kindness, care, and a strong Christian faith characterised Chris. My Mum and my family give thanks for her.

I was very lucky to cross paths with Chris in 2008 when I landed my new job in Hillsborough Primary School where she was my mentor teacher. Whenever I got into trouble, which was a lot in our earlier years, she would pop over kindly and say "Is everything okay? Don't worry Carrie", and then she would give me advice, with a very understanding smile. Chris decided to make a shift northward halfway through the year, leaving me feeling worried and insecure. In our last conversation before she left, she said "If there is anything you need, I'm just a phone call away". I can still remember very clearly her words and appreciate everything she did for me. Thank you for starting me on very solid ground Chris. Thank you for being there, for showing me the path. Thank you for always caring and giving it all you have. Thank you for not running when I needed your help, Thank you for always staying by my side and giving me the courage and the pride to do things I was so scared to do. Thank you, Chris. Rest in Peace Chris. My deepest sympathy and condolences

I shall certainly look back on my 'work time' with Chris with much love and many smiles - as I remember our laughter together over many things 'school-wise' - fumbling through the first years together at SBS, painting journal boxes in the garage, and working at the local kindy (before school started). I REALLY needed Chris's JUNIOR school expertise to help me through that. LOL I'll always remember the first time we met - at the Salty - as we rocked on up to the bar, not knowing what we were getting ourselves into! Straight away, she was so easy-going, full of smiles and eagerness. Chris made you feel at ease. Peace. Always willing to lend an ear if you needed help or advice - many a time on personal levels. Chris will always be fondly remembered. She was such a sweet, kind, fun, happy, up-beat soul who loved (and was so proud of) her children and grandchildren - and, of course, her beloved, Roger. It was an honour, and a pleasure, to have been a part of Chris's life journey - if only for a little while. Big love and hugs for all of the family. xxxx

I met Christine at Hillsborough Primary School where she was my team leader. She was an encourager and a sympathetic listener and as time went on became a very good friend. Tears were shed on the day Chris told me that she would be leaving Hillsborough. She was always such a calm and steady presence. Chris and Roger were the people who introduced us to St George's Anglican Church to which we still belong, despite now living in Orewa. My husband Paul and Roger enjoyed some fishing expeditions together and we had some lovely times with Chris and Roger after we moved closer to them as they were at Snell's Beach. Chris always made us welcome and her gentle nature made her a joy to be with. Her quiet but strong faith was an inspiration. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Chris's family.

I worked with Chris at Wellsford school and car pooled to work with her. She was a great friend and colleague. She was an encourager and a kind person. She had a great sense of fun and was appreciated by staff and children for her sympathetic and caring approach. Her favourite place was to be in the garden and she got a great deal of pleasure from this activity. We will miss your lovely smile Chris. Rest in peace. Judy Grimmer

Christine was the eldest granddaughter of Norma and Joe Bell and niece of the late Noelene & Irene .She grew up with our children and many great memories were created at family gatherings. As with the rest of the family Christine had maintained her faith and this was reflected throughout her life as a teacher wife mother and grandmother. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. our love and prayers go to Roger and the family as well as Karyn and Graham.

We offer our deepest sympathy to Roger, Rachael & Josh & Timothy, Matthew & Phoebe & William & Laura, Sarah &Andy for the loss of their beloved Chris. She rests in peace. Graham and Claudia Scott, Justina and Tim Hart-Scott, Dylan, Kayla and Alec

Deepest sympathy to Christines family. Sadly missed by our family and our children she taught at Snells Beach Primary School.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. Our condolences to Roger and the family. Our thoughts and prayers for God’s comfort are with you. Chris was a fellow teacher, and mother of children of similar ages to mine who attended the same schools and universities. We were also part of the same church family so interacted with each other over many years creating lots of good memories. However, I most value Chris as my sister in Christ. With her quiet, caring, gentle spirit she truly exemplified that woman of inner beauty described in 1Peter 3. “Till we meet again at Jesus’ feet” farewell Chris from Sandra, Neil & the Olliff family

Chris, we are all going to miss your bright cherry smiles! Thank you for always staying in touch and joining our family in cheering each of our dreams and milestones. You are one amazing, courageous and brave Godly woman who held onto His promises till your last breath! You will be missed but forever remembered in our hearts! We look forward to seeing you again one day at heaven's pearly gate! Love you, forever missed but always remembered and cherished in our heart, our dearest cousin Chris. Sending lots of love, thoughts and prayers your way Roger, Rachael & Josh & Timothy, Matthew & Phoebe & William & Laura, Sarah &Andy With our deepest condolences. Lots of love Stuart, Melissa, Shannon, Chris, Gabrielle, Kimberly and Josiah 🙏❤

Christine was a special friend - we met as teenagers, young and starry eyed. We attended the Youth Group and Girls Brigade at Balmoral Baptist Church. It was there that Christine met a handsome young fellow called Roger and began dating him. Obviously very successfully... as he's been part of her life ever since. We both married young and our lives diverted as we set up careers and had children. Quite a few years later, our paths crossed and we again attended the same church. Our husbands bonded over sailing and there are many tales to be told of their adventures.. We both had become teachers and at times Christine taught both with Graeme and I at our various schools. Christine was always kind, caring and dedicated as a teacher and a friend. Those traits were evident in whatever she was involved in. Christine had an infectious sense of humour and we often swapped stories and chuckles about what our children or menfolk had been up to. In recent times this also included stories about grandchildren. We've swapped notes on gardening, cooking, teaching, genealogy and family events. Having a shared history that spanned the decades has meant we were easy in each other's company. Christine found such joy in the small everyday things of life and thanked God for them. We've been privileged to be part of many Mackay family events - and Christine always made guests feel part of the extended Mackay family. Her welcome smile and hugs took us to that place of valued friendship. We're going to miss Christine so much. However, the faith, love and twinkle in her eye lives on in Roger, her children and grandchildren. Rest in peace our special friend.

Precious family, Roger, Rachael and Josh, Matthew and Phoebe, and Sarah and Andy. What an honour to be able to share how much you all have meant to me and our family over 25 plus years. My arms of love surround you now as you walk through this 'valley of grief' and especially for Josh and family in Banff. Christine's life carried the fragrant love of Jesus, whom she so faithfully loved and served. So her life brought joy and sunshine to those around her whether at home with family or with her church family, or in the wider community where she faithfully served in many capacities. She will be so greatly missed. I pray for God's love and grace to sustain each of you as you share the grief of so many at this time. You are much loved!! Dorothy Worrall Snells Beach.

Sincere condolences to Roger and the family on the passing of your beloved Christine. She was Syndicate Leader in our Junior Department at Hillsborough Primary School for a number of years and she was always patient, kind and encouraging. Christine seemed to have a permanent smile and a happy laugh! She was very proud of her family and loved sharing what they were up to. I know you will miss her dearly. I trust that you will feel the Lord's arms around you at this sad time. Christine was a special person and I know you will treasure the precious memories.

Condolences Roger and family on the loss of your beloved Christine. She taught with me at Wellsford School when I was Assistant Principal and she was a Senior Teacher in the Junior Department. Christine was a wonderful teacher and person. She was a pleasure to know. Sending you love. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Condolences to Roger and the family on Christine's sad passing. She was a valued member of the Foundation Staff and leadership team of Snells Beach School, well loved by her colleagues, children and families of the school community. I will always remember Christine for her kind, gentle nature and her care and support for everyone around her. May she rest easily now.

Christine will be so missed for her cheery smile, her happy outlook, her love and support for the children in her care, her amazing faith which made her the wonderful friend she was.

Heart felt condolences to Roger, Matthew, Rachel & Sarah and all Christine's dearly loved family. What a beautiful friend, neighbour and sister in Christ. Christines vibrant faith will give you all great assurance that she is now in the presence of her Heavenly Father. We pray you will all experience God's comfort & love at this sad time. love Dave & Jennie

Sympathies to Roger. Rachael & Josh, Matthew & Phoebe and Sarah & Andy along with William, Laura and Timothy also to the extended family who will miss her as well. Thinking of you and sending best wishes, love and prayers as you mourn and adjust to no longer having her present in your lives. Chris was such a wonderful cousin and we will miss her.

With sincere condolences to Roger and family, from the Milnes. Although we infrequently met, the recollection of Christine is one of warmth and kindness. A good heart person who will be sadly missed All the best, at this difficult time.

Remembering Chris with such affection. Your love and generosity at church and school, and your encouragement of us as a young couple fixed you a place in our hearts. Sending much love to Roger and the family.

Our thoughts and love are with all the family at this sad time. Especially cousins Roger, Margaret and Evan and all the children and grandchildren who were special to Christine.. Love Dave and Renata

In 1971 we sailed into Auckland harbour never knowing that our New Zealand adventures would bring us a lifelong friendship with the Ford and Mackay families. We loved Christine for her steadfastness in only dating Roger Mackay and ignoring her parents' please to look around a bit. Christine knew a good man when she saw one! She never wavered in her Christian faith nor her friendships. We were priviledged to meet up again in Banff at Rachael and Josh's engagement party, then to photograph her again on her joyful visit to hold her newborn Canadian grandson Timothy. Christine was a joy to know and we will miss her so much. We send our love and condolences to you all.