Mrs Catherine "Ceiteag" Jane (MacKenzie) MacKenzie

Born March 30, 1924 in Rear Christmas Island, she was the daughter of the late Maggie C. and Alex J. MacKenzie.

Catherine was a lifelong member of St. Barra parish, Christmas Island. Her Scottish heritage was something she was very proud of using Gaelic as her first language. With family being the focal part of her life, she loved cooking and baking for them, and visitors alike. She could be found outdoors doing gardening and yardwork; a pastime which she enjoyed.

Survived by children Peggy O'Neill, Waltham, MA; Sander (Marion) MacKenzie, Watertown, MA; Betty (Joe) MacKenzie, Rear Christmas Island; sisters Mary F. MacNeil and Theresa George both of Christmas Island; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her two cats Tiny and Beano.

Predeceased by her husband of 40 years John Joe MacKenzie; her children John Jr. and Rhodena; son-in-law Edward O'Neill Sr. and daughter-in-law Jessie MacKenzie; brothers Hector, Mike, Joe and Jimmy MacKenzie; sisters Annie MacNeil, Mary Ann Small and Peggy Mills; and grandchildren Lori O'Neill-Glaubius and Karleena MacKenzie.

The family would like to thank the staff of Alderwood Rest Home for their excellent care over the past 16 months.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 24 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Christmas Island Fire Hall. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 25 at 11 am at St. Columba Church, Iona with Fr. Everett MacDow officiating. Interment in St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island.

Donations may be made to the St. Barra Cemetery Fund, Christmas Island or Alzheimer’s Society. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com