Christina Flora Hagan

HAGAN, Christina Flora, 73 of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2016 at the QEII Halifax Infirmary. Born in Obuasi-Ghana on January 22, 1943, Christina was the beloved wife of Joseph K. Hagan. She leaves to mourn her: her husband Joseph Hagan, and children Helen A. Nwauwa (Apollos) of Bowling Green, Ohio, USA; Ekua Carla Hagan of Baltimore, MD, USA; and Rex K. Hagan of Vancouver, BC, Canada. She was a loving grandmother: her grandchildren include Ikenna and Uzochi Nwauwa, Jade and Ian Kendall, and Kwesi and Justice Hagan.

She is survived by her siblings: Augustina Adade of Ghana; Joseph Nortey (Luisa) of Italy; Michael Seth Nortey (Norma) of Canada; and Henry Nortey of Ghana. Also survived by many nieces and nephews in Canada, Ghana, and Europe: Joseph, Margaret, Catherine, and Anne Nortey; Frederick Nylander; Linus Hanson; Eliane Fedele, Christine, and Giovanni Nortey; Agatha, Sabina, Patience, and Cynthia (Nortey); Edwin, H, and Justin Nortey.

Also survived by brothers and sisters-In-law: William Hagan of Ghana; K.D. Hagan (Helen) of Toronto; John James Clement (JJC) Hagan of Ghana; Charity Essel-Cobbah of Ghana, and Alexandra Afful of Ghana.

Christina is predeceased by her parents Peter Alphonsus and Patience Catherine Nortey, and siblings: Felicia Nortey, John Nortey, Francis Nortey, Peter Nortey, Helena Hansen-Nylander (Nortey), Maria Nortey, and Gabriel Nortey.

When Christina first arrived in Halifax in the late 1960's as an immigrant from Ghana, West Africa, she worked as a nurse at the IWK Children’s Hospital. Later, she worked as a self-employed business woman who tirelessly walked the streets of Halifax to sell household products. Upon retirement, she became a homemaker and caregiver. Christina enjoyed cooking very much; she will forever be remembered for the aroma of her fresh baked bread that always filled the house. She also relished in cooking authentic, delicious Ghanaian dishes and serving all who came to her home as if they were a part of her extended family. She had a kind and caring nature towards everyone and genuinely cared about their wellbeing. Her legacy of random "acts of kindness" will live on in the hearts of many and inspire them to carry on the torch of kindness and "giving back." Despite her own struggles with cancer, she always believed in helping others. She was one of the founders of the Sunshine Room located in the QEII Halifax Infirmary which provided support for cancer patients through their journey ... Helping others gave her joy.

Christina enjoyed music and singing, and she faithfully watched the Vision station as a part of her daily devotion. Notably, Christina enjoyed socializing with the many people who came into her life. Her Catholic faith was the pillar of her life, and she often affirmed that this gave her the strength and wisdom to face the 4challenges of life. She would always say: "Don't worry ... God will provide all your needs." Her confidence stemmed from knowing and believing that she was a child of God and He would never forsake His own.

She was a loving friend to many, respected by her neighbors and the Ghanaian Community in Nova Scotia. She was also recognized and celebrated on ‘The Riva Spatz Women’s Wall of Honor’ at the Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS. Christina was a devout Christian member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Halifax and also a member of the Catholic Women's League (CWL). She loved singing hymns and praises to God, which seemed to come from the depths of her soul. Christina will be remembered as a kind, selfless wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who always had an infectious smile and laugh even when times were tough.

Despite her initial diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2001 she lived her life with dignity by the grace of God, and was in remission for over 10 years. Although the cancer returned in 2011, she continued to love and care for others, never taking life for granted every moment she lived. Those who walk with God always reach their destination.

Nothing would rob her of her "inner peace" even until she was called home to be amongst the Angels ... We pray her soul to rest in heavenly peace!

"I have fought a good fight, I finished the race. I have kept the faith”.... (2 Timothy 4:7)