Christena Agnes "Tena" MacMillan

It with heavy hearts and loving memories that we announce the passing of Christena 'Tena' Agnes MacMillan, Mabou, Inverness County., at the age of 93. Tena died peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. Born in Inverness, Cape Breton on July 23, 1923 she was the daughter of the late Murdock and Mae (MacDonald) MacIsaac and the last surviving member of her immediate family. Tena is survived by her children, Mary Florence (Allan), Stewiacke; Donald, Mabou; Joanne(Laurne), Strathlorne; Allan, Edmonton; Bobby, Mabou; Stephen, Miramichi, N.B.; Margo (Pat) Port Hood; David (Melody) Glendyer; Andrew (Michele) Mabou. Also survived by grandchildren, Robbie & Isaac Fraser, John, Allan, James, Kenneth, Neil & Catriona MacMillan, Luke MacMillan, Sharon Batherson, Greg, David Arthur, Cameron & Colin MacMillan, Nicholas, Christena, Shania MacMillan and one great grandson, Michael MacMillan with another great-grandchild due in March 2017, along with many nieces and nephews. Tena was predeceased by her husband of 60 years John Alex; her son, Gregory (1993); daughter in law Geraldine (Allan) 2005; brothers, James, Donald (Josephine) and Archie MacIsaac; sisters, Mary (Joe) MacDonald, Mamie (Richard) Gillis.

At the age of two, after the death of her mother, she along with her infant sister, Mamie, were brought to Glencoe Mills to be raised on the farm by her grandparents and Uncle Sandy MacDonald. Growing up in Glencoe, she learned at a young age the value of hard work along with the simple pleasures and rewards of growing up on a farm. Tena and John Alex married on Nov. 22, 1949 and remained in Glencoe until Nov. 1962 when they moved to Mabou. Tena and John Alex's home was a centre of activity. Tena's kitchen was the busiest room and filled with the smell of fresh baked bread, biscuits, pies oatcakes and molasses cookies (a favorite of many kids in the village). Tena welcomed everyone who walked through her door and no one ever left her home hungry. She was very well known for her hospitality and kindness to all. A woman of great faith, Tena embodied the Christian values and was a great example to her children and anyone who knew her. She was a CWL member and was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary's Parish, Mabou.

Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Tena enjoyed the simple pleasures life offered, Scottish music, going for drives, concerts, ceilidhs, she especially enjoyed listening to the radio daily and often mentioned the first day CJFX came on the airwaves in 1943. Tena was the heart of the home and will be greatly missed. Visitation will take place in St. Mary's Church Vestry, Mabou, Sunday, Sept. 25th, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral will take place in St. Joseph's Church, Glencoe Mills, Monday, Sept. 26th at 11 a.m. with Fr. Bernie MacDonald officiating. Burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Mabou. Family flowers only. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Mabou or St. Joseph’s Parish, Glencoe Mills.

On-line Condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com