Christina Ann McLean

McLEAN, Christina Ann (nee Girgulis) On February 12, 2021, Christina Ann McLean (nee Girgulis) peacefully and gently went to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was looking forward to reuniting with loved ones who had gone ahead of her. To meet her in heaven is her beloved son, Donald; grandson, Jake; her husband Raymond and parents Nick and Betty. Christina was born on June 24, 1937 in Vancouver, BC. She met Raymond McLean, a young RCMP constable, while working at her father's restaurant in Hope, BC. They married in 1957 and after a change in career, the young family moved to Victoria, Vancouver Island and there they raised their 3 children, Susan, Ray Jr. and Donald. Mom was ever so proud of her Greek heritage and practiced the art of hospitality like no other. Her gatherings, whether large or small, consisted of incredible food, music, lively conversation and fun and the memories of these events are what people so often speak of and appreciate. People comment on how they felt more like family than guests. In addition to her role as "Mom", Christina was a cashier at Woodward's department store for approximately 25 years; a job that she loved as she met many people and gave her a lot of satisfaction. People often waited in a longer line because she was their favourite cashier!! Mom was meticulous in her accounting and her service to her clients. However, it was her family that was her pride and joy. Family gatherings were the most important times in Christina's life and she made each person feel that they were special to her. In addition to her "kids" Susan (Mike) and Ray, Christina leaves behind her grandchildren, Robyn, Andrew, Taylor (Haley), Ryan, Maggie and Chloe; her brothers Harry and Bill, and sister Niki, nieces Kirsten, Melody, Deanna, and nephews, Wade, Nick, Jeremy, and Jesse - and all their families as well as many other extended family members on the Island, in Vancouver and across the country. Christina was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Chemainus - she considered her friends there also as part of her family and she brought her skills as a hostess to serve at the church whenever she was able. She often shared about her love for the friends, the meetings and bible studies she attended. Mom was blessed to have so many good and kind people in her life - so many who we, as Christina's family, owe a huge debt of gratitude. She lived in a wonderful area of Ladysmith with "the best neighbours in the world!" according to her! Their - Ingrid, Joan, Linda and many others- kindness knew no bounds and it was their concern and care that enabled Mom to live in her lovely little home for as long as she did. Christina had a very special friend - Laura - who became like a second daughter and who also made Mom's desire to stay in her home possible, helping Mom with her house and garden. But more than that was her love and attention to Mom's well-being. We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Drs. Emily Steeves, Kevin Morrison, and Kim Adzich for their care and support to Mom; the staff and care aids of VIHA - Home Support (Ladysmith); and to the warm and caring staff of Cowichan Hospice who helped make Mom's transition a peaceful and gentle one. John 14: 2-3 "In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am… Due to the current Covid situation, a Celebration of Christina's life will be held at a later date.