(Elizabeth) Christine (Weir) McDonald

Christine (Chris) McDonald passed away peacefully after a short illness in Comox Valley Hospital. Pre-deceased by her husband, David (2006) of nearly 46 years and sister, Marjorie (1940). Survived by her sister, Judith Matthias (Victoria, BC) and brother John (“Jock”) (Golden, BC).

Her children:

Heather McPadden and husband, Michael (Hertfordshire, England)

David McDonald and wife, Colleen (Surrey, BC)

Jennifer Bonilla and husband, Victor (Phoenix, AZ)

James McDonald and wife, Kari (Denver, CO).

Her grandchildren: Lane Tomkow, Lindsay Bonilla, Emma Gates, David McPadden, Cameron McDonald, Alec McDonald, Dylan McDonald, Maggie McDonald, and Riley McDonald.

Her great grandchildren: Noah and Elana Tomkow and Isobel Christine Gates.

Her nephews and niece: Geoff Matthias, Tom Weir, James Weir, Joe Weir, and Karen Matthias.

Chris was born in Invermere, BC to W.A. and T.N. Weir, along with three siblings, Marjorie, Judith and John (“Jock”), growing up during WWII and surviving polio.

She graduated with a Home Economics degree from UBC, becoming a secondary teacher in BC for six years.

Chris married David in 1960 and they had four children. The family lived in various places in BC and Oregon as the children grew and she continued to use her superb skills in cooking, sewing, and maintaining a comfortable and happy home. Once all the children had left home to study and start careers, Chris and David travelled to Eastern Canada, the Southwestern US, and enjoyed many tandem motorcycle rides together. Chris later travelled solo to visit family in Arizona, Chicago, New Hampshire, the Yukon, England, and Ireland.

She maintained lifelong friendships especially with her schoolfriend, Betty Anne Rogers who passed away in 2023.

Dave and Chris retired to Comox in 1993 where they enjoyed life in their pleasant home with large yard and garden, and many kind neighbors. They also enjoyed regular dog walks on the beach at Goose Spit. Chris became involved in quilting, making beautiful quilts and wall hangings for herself and family, many of which were displayed at the Filberg Festival each year. She led an active social life with her quilting group, playing bridge and exercising at the Senior Centre, and attending concerts and plays with friends.

Chris enjoyed preserving, gardening, and reading. Later, ill health began to curtail her activities, but she still retained a keen interest in world affairs and politics and was able to continue baking and gardening with the help of her granddaughter, Emma.

Chris was a gentle peacemaker with a good sense of humour. She was selfless, meticulous and rarely idle - a first-rate homemaker, who took pride in all she did.

Christine reached her 90th birthday and though it was spent in the hospital, she was surrounded by family. She had achieved her final (and often stubborn!) wish of living in her own home until the end of her life.

With special thanks to the medical staff at Comox Valley hospital for their attentive care and to Toneff Funeral Home for their kindness and sympathetic guidance at a difficult time.

There will be no service as Christine wished, and her ashes will be placed with David’s at the Courtenay Civic Cemetery.

Greatly loved and deeply missed, may she rest in peace.