In memory of
Christina Ross McKenzie
January 8, 1941 - August 25, 2026
Christina Ross McKenzie (Noble) of St. Jacobs (formerly of Scarborough) passed into the presence of the Lord on August 25, 2026 at the age of 85 years. She was the beloved wife and partner of Frank who predeceased her in 2007.
Born in 1941 in Motherwell, Scotland, she and her family came to Canada in 1982 to start a new life here. Frustrated by the refusal of Ontario to recognize her British social work credentials, and hence restricting her from traditional social work jobs, she began her own counseling practice and soon had many clients. In 1989, at the invitation of the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services she and Frank started Cornerstone Adoption Agency, an organization that continues to this day, helping families navigate all of the complexities of international adoptions. Cornerstone has been a key part of the process that has enabled hundreds of children find new homes with Ontario families.
Always an active member of a church community, her vibrant faith found expression in both her personal witness for Christ as well as her participation in church activities and worship. She is sadly missed by her church family at Heidelberg Bible Fellowship.
Her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren brought her tremendous joy and even in her last days would bring a smile to her face when little else would.
In 2019, Christina suffered a significant stroke resulting in move to St Jacob’s Place where she was well cared for and enjoyed a number of happy years. In the last year her health declined significantly resulting in moves, in quick succession, to facilities providing greater care. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of all of these facilities (St Jacob’s Place, Clair Hills, University Gates, St Mary’s Hospital and Waterloo Hospice) for their loving care for her.
Left behind to mourn her loss are her children, Mark (Lorna) and Sharon Shantz (Kevin) along with her grandchildren Kirsty Seeley (Luke), Scott McKenzie (Justine), Andrew McKenzie (Bryanna), Beth Koutsomitsos (Sotiris), Tory Shantz (Dan Green), Alex Shantz (Ellen), Matthew Shantz and all of the great grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband Frank and grandson Steven Shantz.
A memorial service to celebrate Christina’s life and faith will be held at Heidelberg Bible Fellowship, 2720 Kressler Rd., Heidelberg Ontario on Sept 5 at 4:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5183721625
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the JFJ Hope Centre (jfjhopecentre.ca) or Waterloo Region Hospice (hospicewaterloo.ca) would be appreciated and may be made through the funeral home. If sending flowers, please contact the funeral home for instructions.
Born in 1941 in Motherwell, Scotland, she and her family came to Canada in 1982 to start a new life here. Frustrated by the refusal of Ontario to recognize her British social work credentials, and hence restricting her from traditional social work jobs, she began her own counseling practice and soon had many clients. In 1989, at the invitation of the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services she and Frank started Cornerstone Adoption Agency, an organization that continues to this day, helping families navigate all of the complexities of international adoptions. Cornerstone has been a key part of the process that has enabled hundreds of children find new homes with Ontario families.
Always an active member of a church community, her vibrant faith found expression in both her personal witness for Christ as well as her participation in church activities and worship. She is sadly missed by her church family at Heidelberg Bible Fellowship.
Her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren brought her tremendous joy and even in her last days would bring a smile to her face when little else would.
In 2019, Christina suffered a significant stroke resulting in move to St Jacob’s Place where she was well cared for and enjoyed a number of happy years. In the last year her health declined significantly resulting in moves, in quick succession, to facilities providing greater care. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of all of these facilities (St Jacob’s Place, Clair Hills, University Gates, St Mary’s Hospital and Waterloo Hospice) for their loving care for her.
Left behind to mourn her loss are her children, Mark (Lorna) and Sharon Shantz (Kevin) along with her grandchildren Kirsty Seeley (Luke), Scott McKenzie (Justine), Andrew McKenzie (Bryanna), Beth Koutsomitsos (Sotiris), Tory Shantz (Dan Green), Alex Shantz (Ellen), Matthew Shantz and all of the great grandchildren. Predeceased by her husband Frank and grandson Steven Shantz.
A memorial service to celebrate Christina’s life and faith will be held at Heidelberg Bible Fellowship, 2720 Kressler Rd., Heidelberg Ontario on Sept 5 at 4:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5183721625
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the JFJ Hope Centre (jfjhopecentre.ca) or Waterloo Region Hospice (hospicewaterloo.ca) would be appreciated and may be made through the funeral home. If sending flowers, please contact the funeral home for instructions.
Funeral Details
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Celebration of Life
Bible Fellowship
2720 Kressler Road, Keidelberg, ON, CANADA, N0B 2M1
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Saturday, 5 Sep 2026 4:00 PM