Elvina Christena McPherson
elevated BV9fS In Loving Memory of Elvina Christena McPherson
elevated BV9fS October 31, 1940 ~ September 7, 2026
elevated BV9fS Obituary
It is with deeply saddened hearts, and gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Elvina Christena McPherson, who died peacefully in her sleep on September 7, 2026, at the age of 85.
elevated BV9fS Born on October 31, 1940, in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, to Mary Catherine and John Norman McPherson, Elvina—often known as Chrissy or Auntie—was the last surviving sibling in a family of 15. As a young woman, she left home for Boston to work as a nanny, beginning a life shaped by fierce independence, hard work, service to others, and an unwavering devotion to family.
elevated BV9fS Elvina took great pride in supporting herself on her own terms. She could change the oil in her car or fix a tire as easily as she could prepare a roast. She travelled often between Ontario and Nova Scotia, kept her promise to care for her brothers, and was a constant source of support to her late brother Frankie, her brother Billy, and her sister-in-law Weenie. In her final years, she brought particular comfort and joy to Weenie after they both lost Billy, her last remaining sibling.
elevated BV9fS Elvina loved music—especially country and real rock and roll—along with a good baseball or hockey game, time at the trailer, and simply sitting outside on a beautiful day. She also loved bingo and once worked as a runner alongside her dear friend Rita. Always ready to pitch in, she could be counted on whenever someone needed help. Family gatherings brought her tremendous joy. With her quick wit and wonderful sense of humour, she playfully teased her many nieces and nephews and delighted in giving each of her grandnieces and grandnephews a nickname of their own. She served as an honorary grandmother to the children in her life and was especially proud to become a great-grand-aunt to little Henry; at age 80, she was his very first visitor. She loved playing, dancing, and spoiling all the children in the family.
elevated BV9fS Elvina was the life of the party—a lively and enthusiastic woman who found happiness in bringing a smile to everyone’s face. She often said, “You can’t take it with you,” and lived those words through her generosity and willingness to help anyone. For as many stars as there are in the sky, it would be impossible to name everyone whose life she touched and who will cherish the memories made with her. She is survived and dearly missed by her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, goddaughter, friends, neighbours, and the community at Hawthorne Place. Although she will be deeply missed, Elvina’s laughter, loyalty, wisdom, and unmistakable spirit will live on in the abundance of stories and cherished memories she leaves behind. Her life will be joyfully remembered and long celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to share in it.
elevated BV9fS Memorial Tributes
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Elvina’s wishes, the family invites you to gather your bingo bags, enjoy a game together like the old days, make new memories in her honour, and think of her with a smile.
elevated BV9fS Funeral Mass
Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church,
80 Shoreham Drive, North York, Ontario M3N 1S9 (just south of Steeles Avenue West and Jane Street).
elevated BV9fS Celebration of Life
A celebration of Elvina’s life will follow in the church hall from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
elevated BV9fS Forever loved, always remembered, and deeply missed.
