Christena A. Magowan

GUILDERLAND – Christena A. Magowan, 84, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, October 8, 2010, surrounded by her loving family.
Christena was born on August 18, 1926 in New Aberdeen, Nova Scotia, Canada and was the daughter of the late James and Margaret (McIntyre) MacNeil.
Christena graduated in 1948 from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and moved to Guilderland in 1952. She worked as a registered nurse for St. Clare's Hospital for over 30 years, retiring in 1987. She enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, crocheting, knitting, baking, listening to music – especially the bagpipes, and was an avid reader. She was a communicant of St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland.
Christena is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy A. Magowan of Guilderland, Anita M. Magowan (Ron Henry), and Tina E. Jesmain (Mark); her grandchildren, Brian P. O'Keefe, Jr. (Annette), and Chelsea L. Walrath; her great-granddaughter, Rhiley S. O'Keefe; her step grandchildren, Patricia, Jessica, and Sarah Jesmain; her brother, James (Doris) MacNeil; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 43 years, Norman J. Magowan; her sisters, Mary "Toots" and Catherine "Sis"; and her brother, Hugh.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, then to St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd., Schenectady, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308 or to the Alzheimer's Association, NENY Chapter, Pine West Plaza, Bldg. 4, Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Christena A. Magowan.