Helen Lovice Mackay

Helen Lovice Mackay, 89, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, in St. George, Utah.

Helen, known as Lovice, was born on October 30, 1935, in Fullerton, California and was the only child of Henry and Sidney Chisam. Due to her father’s career, Lovice moved quite frequently throughout her childhood, living as far south as National City, California and as far North as Fairbanks, Alaska.

At the age of 16, Lovice was introduced to Russell Mackay on a blind date and that is where their love story began. Russell and Lovice were married following Lovice’s high school graduation on August 1, 1954, in Anaheim, California. Four months after being married, Russell was drafted into the Army and the two moved to England where he was stationed. Although they loved their time in England, Garden Grove, California, became their home where they raised their family.

Russell and Lovice had three children Kim Crummett (Jim), Maren Egbert (Bill), and Howard Mackay (Linda). They had eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Being an only child, family was everything to Lovice. Her happiest moments were spent with her family.

Lovice was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She serving in many callings, as well as a supportive wife during Russell’s time as Bishop.

Lovice had several jobs, her favorites being a kindergarten teacher assistant, clinic director at UCI, and administrative assistant at Cypress College.

Lovice was known for her green thumb and particularly enjoyed gardening. She always kept the plants well-manicured and the flower beds in bloom. It is the one thing that she said gave her immediate satisfaction. Her other interests included doing genealogy and temple work, going to the movies, traveling, and having lunch with her girlfriends at their favorite Mexican restaurant.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell

Thomas’ words remind us that those we cherish never truly leave us. Lovice’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

An intimate Celebration of Life will be held to honor Lovice at a later date.