Christine Kaighn

Christine Louise Gilmour Kaighn of New Albany, Ohio, age 60, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026. Born February 5, 1966, Christine, known to all who loved her as Chris, lived a life defined by unshakable optimism, grace and an extraordinary spirit that uplifted everyone around her. She proved daily that a life is measured not by its challenges, but by the love and laughter you bring to them.

And laugh she did. Together with her husband Andy, Chris built a vibrant life surrounded by beloved family, friends and colleagues.

Her loving family includes (Father) Neil Gilmour (deceased), (Mother) Doris Gilmour, (Brothers) Neil Gilmour III (Susan), John Gilmour (Ann), (Son) Brandon Robert Kaighn, (Daughter) Marlee Joy Kaighn and (husband) Andrew Kaighn. Nephews Neil Gilmour IV (Rob), David Gilmour (Meg), Daniel Gilmour and niece, Elizabeth Gilmour.

Within the past year, Chris was given the gift of meeting her biological family, including her father, Charlie Campbell, his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. As Chris described it, the Campbell clan “folded me in without hesitation and my family expanded in the most unexpected and beautiful way.”

Her children Marlee and Brandon were the pride of her life, and her fierce love for them shaped their home. It was a place where music played and the family gathered in the kitchen to cook, often with a Phillies or Eagles game on in the background and pups lounging by the fireplace. Above all, she deeply treasured the memories of summer days spent down the shore with Marlee, Brandon, Andy, and their big extended family.

Chris was supported in all that she did by her husband of 29 years. Their partnership is admired by all who know them and she often credited Andy as the reason why she was able to have a family, successful career and happy life. They were a formidable team.

Professionally, Chris was a highly respected retail executive, spending the majority of her career supporting the growth and culture of Justice/Tween Brands in various roles including Senior Vice President of Stores and Operations. Most recently, Chris was the Executive Vice President, Chief Stores and Culture Officer for francesca’s. Throughout her distinguished career she championed people, built community, and cultivated positive, inclusive company cultures.

Chris never stopped growing. During the pandemic she dedicated her energy to yoga training, eventually becoming an instructor and sharing her love for mindfulness and strength as an instructor at GoYoga.

Born in Queens, New York, raised in Moorestown, New Jersey and a graduate of Moorestown High School, Chris was a Jersey girl to the core. She was a lifelong fan of Bruce Springsteen and attended over 80 concerts throughout her lifetime. In true Chris fashion, she built a close-knit community with other fans of the Boss and reunited with them at concerts in cities around the world.

A Celebration of Chris’s Life will be held on Friday, November 6th from 4 pm to 8 pm at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast, located at 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a woman who taught us all how to live fully. The family requests that memorial donations be made in Chris’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at

https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/find-an-event/ohio-wv.html