February 25, 1950 - January 4, 2024
Christena (Tena) Marie Hawley, 73, of Port Hood passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Born in Inverness, Tena was a daughter of the late Lea and Catherine (Campbell) Hawley of Nevada Valley.
Dear sister of Stewart (Cheryl), Kitchener, ON, Anne MacDonald, Mabou, Daniel (Margaret), Kitchener, ON, Cathy (Norbert) MacLellan, Troy, Margaret (Donald Francis) Beaton, Port Hood, the late Raymond (Nancy) Hawley, St. Mary’s, ON, Pauline (Fernando) Correia, Cambridge, ON, Patricia (Tony) De Amorim, Kitchener, ON, Theresa (Alex) Fancsali, Kitchener, ON and Mary (Fernando) Medeiros, Cambridge, ON. She will be missed dearly by her nieces and nephews, numerous relatives and close friends.
After completing High School, Tena graduated in 1969 from the Camp Hill School of Nursing Assistants in Halifax. She was always conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect and true compassion for over 30 years. From Halifax, Tena traveled to Boston, Massachusetts where she continued her devotion to being a steadfast caregiver. She eventually returned back to what she referred to as “my island” where she worked at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. She has helped many people along her journey in life and will be missed by those lives she touched.
Tena’s life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her family. She was always committed to them every step of the way, often putting care for her loved ones ahead of herself. Tena never backed down from a challenge and faced life with optimism, incredible strength and courage.
Tena was known for her contagious smile and fun nature. She enjoyed cooking and was a master at making her Italian meatballs. Tena enjoyed hosting and being in the middle of the family fun; playing cards, catching up in conversations and enthusiastically sharing many adventurous stories about her life experiences. Tena enjoyed reading and music and would often be heard humming as she went about her day. Singing in the church choir brought her great happiness and joy. Tena also enjoyed traveling to Ontario to visit siblings and to embrace adventures as they came along. She was a loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and was honoured to be a godmother to several.
Without a doubt, Tena’s loving, caring and beautiful soul will never be forgotten. We are heartbroken to lose her, but take comfort in knowing she is in God’s hands now and one of His special angels. We believe that her kind and loving spirit will be looking over her family and friends.
As Tena requested, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday January 11, 2024 from 3 - 6pm in the vestry of St. Mary’s Church, Mabou. Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, January 12, 2024 in St. John the Baptist Church, Brook Village with Fr. Andrew Gillies presiding. A private family burial to follow at the parish cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join us for a reception after the burial in the parish hall. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Inverness Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be recorded and be made available at a later date.
The family is most grateful to the dialysis team at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital as well as the medical staff who provided a caring space for Tena and her family during her final days.
If desired, donations may be made the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
