Britt, we are all so very sorry to hear.  Thinking of you and your family!  Kara, Theo, Keenan and Justin

I met Kristine in 2005 at beauty school! She was always such a breath of fresh air, and her laugh was contagious! Such a sweet human being! You could tell her and Britt's love for one another was genuine and real... something you don't see too often anymore... May her soul rest in peace. God bless Britt and family!

Clearly my auto correct got the best of me .. editing *barley

I had first met Kristine Dec 2017, for a short dinner while visiting San Francisco with Gabe, which she had just been diagnosed. She welcomed me with grace & smiles to their circle of family. And just this Dec Gabe and I went to Michigan to visit her and Britt, and truly had a Halmark day. She had all the energy, which meant we dressed quickly, garely brushing our teeth to head out and do whatever it was she wanted. We went shopping, neighborhood exploring (where she grew up), taking pictures, lunch at Rosie’s (childhood favorite), watching our men be silly with their snow angels ... all while she laughed! Never would you know this woman was fighting a battle.
We fulfilled her wishes of decorating her Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, listening to her records, and exchanging conversation. Ms. Kristine, thank you for welcoming me with love! It truly was an honor getting to you know you that day, and watching you with your daughters, husband, and friend. Thank you for making me apart of your circle. You will forever be in my heart :hearts: Love, Roxanne

I first met Kristine years ago as I became friends with Britt at the studio. I got to know the real Kristine and what she was made of when I brought my new love Jeanne up to the Bay Area from Tucson in the spring of 2016. As Britt and I discussed how to integrate Jeanne into Marin life, Britt suggested we "get the ladies together" by going on a hike in Mill Valley. That inaugural hike set off a whirlwind friendship that grew strongly over two years, as Jeanne and Kristine became the best of friends. The four of us spent many an evening together over dinner and talk and laughter. A strong bond developed and it was beautiful. As Jeanne and Kristine grew closer over the two years I finally saw a peace in my wife I had never seen before. She felt she finally had a sister in Marin and that she belonged. As I got to know Kristine over those two years I also discovered a warmth in her that was unique. She could bring me from a bad mood into peace and happiness within minutes. Her heart was that strong. 

I will never forget Kristine and what she did for Jeanne and I, individually and as a couple. She will live within us forever, making us stronger everyday. And, Kristine, we will protect your love Britt forever as well, with our friendship and support.

We miss you.

Love you, Laurel. Your Mom and I used to thank God for sending us to each other. She would cry that we “had just found each other”. We weren’t ready to say goodbye as none of us were. I can’t wait to catch up in Heaven. I can just see her right now, smiling... squeezing my hand and showing me how fabulous it all is!

I love this, and love you Jeanne. Thank you for being such an amazing friend to my mom. She loved you so much, you were like a sister to her.

You know when you meet someone and you think to yourself that you really like them? Kristine was one of those people to me. Kind, genuine, accepting. Although we only met two and a half year ago, she seemed like someone I had known forever. We quickly found out that we had many things in common. We were both from the Midwest. We loved Rock music. We had two Daughters and Grandchildren. We loved antiques, pottery and The Beatles. We had overcome a lot in our lives... Almost one year ago to this day, Kris arrived at my apartment early in the morning as she was insistent on doing my hair for my wedding. She had known my soon to be husband for many years and was truly happy that we had found happiness later in life. The real story here is that she insisted on doing my hair that day... even though she had just completed a round of chemo - did not feel well and had just lost her lovely hair. This is the kind of person she was. Selfless. She was happiest when other's were happy. She was a giver. A light. Kristine, I'll be looking for my little brown bird my sweet friend...

So Beautiful! She was and still is a light...

Thank you Mom for always teaching me how to love others well, help others see the value in themselves, how to be an encouraging and compassionate person, and thank you most for always being my cheerleader. No matter how big or small an accomplishment you were always so incredibly proud! Thank you most for your secret box of pictures and treasures you kept over all these years for us to discover. Looking forward to creating new memories with you, just in a different way <3 I know you’ll always be my side!

I met Kristine when I worked with Britt 15 years ago at Sproos Hair Salon. Thru the years we shared a passion for Blythe dolls. I brought one to the salon and Kristine went crazy in love . Xfancied these dolls as much as I did. I am so glad I got to bring her one of the dolls , it really made her smile. I will never forget how Kristine made me feel. I always felt happy when she was around. I will keep her smile close  , her loving  vibrations  , her  light , and the goodness Kristine  brought to this world.

Lit a candle in memory of Kristine MacKay-Guardino

From the time she was in Junior High School, Kris dreamed of moving from Jenison to San Francisco. She studied the street map of downtown San Francisco and had street names and routes to key places committed to memory long before she even had her drivers license.
In May, 2000, Kris finally made her dream a reality when she obtained a job transfer from the Grand Rapids office of First American Title Co. to one in Los Altos, California and subsequently to another office that was right in the heart of downtown San Francisco. A few months later, she met the man who soon became her best friend, her most vocal supporter, her devoted partner for life and husband, Britt. 
Their total devotion, belief in & support of each other was clearly evident everyday to everyone who knew them. They lived life to the fullest. 
Britt kept his promise to Kris to care for her in sickness and in health throughout her months of chemo & radiation treatments in California and he fulfilled her wish to come home to be with all of her family after she was diagnosed terminal with breast/liver cancer in October.
It was our greatest hope that she would be able to watch the coming of spring & that we would be able to feel the warmth of another summer together. We never dreamed that her time with us would be so very brief. 
We are thankful for every moment that we did have together and we know she is finally really Home, at peace & free of pain.
We will miss her every day but smile at so many happy memories she left behind for us.
- Mom 
Jean Nickelson

My deepest sympathies to Britt her loving husband, her mom Jean, her dad Bill, and her daughters Laurel and Brittney, and to her grandkids. Kris was my bestie childhood friend. She introduced me to my husband and was my maid of honor. I have wonderful memories of our childhood and I will always love and remember her. Her laugh always made me laugh. Unfortunately, I will be out of town during the visitation and funeral. Please know I will keep you all in my prayers as you grieve the loss of Kris on this earth. I know for sure that she is in heaven and I will see her there one day.

OBITUARY

Kristine MacKay-Guardino

7 June, 1965 – 19 December, 2018

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services