Sydney
It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Christina Diana (Raptis) Higgins, age 82, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Cape Breton Reginal Hospital, Sydney, after a brief illness.
During Christina’s earlier years she helped out at the Diana Sweets restaurant which was family run. She loved life and during the 1960’s ran for city council. In her past she was employed at Sampson Motors as well as Fashions Fancy. Christina also volunteered at the local CNIB during the 70’s for a brief period of time. Some of her favourite past time activities were cooking, baking and needle point.
On June 8, 1963, Christina married her first husband, William ‘Bill’ Francis Kieley. They loved to travel and visit relatives in the USA and New Brunswick. They had four children and were married for 17 years until Bill passed away in 1981. Although Christina was visually impaired, she raised her children to the best of her ability and was able to see the beauty in all things great and small.
Later in life she married her second husband, the late John Thomas Higgins and were married for 40 years. They were the owners of the Pyramid Beverage Room in Reserve Mines. They enjoyed going fishing, going for drives and parking at the local Tim Hortons to enjoy evening coffee with friends.
Christina’s greatest passion and what she was proud of most was her family. She never missed a beat in being present for milestones and special occasions in one way or another and always made a point to make sure everyone knew she was thinking of them, and that they were loved.
Besides her husbands, Christina was predeceased by her parents, Maria and Christos Raptis, and her son-in-law, Brian Muise.
Christina is survived by her four children, Chris (Linda) Kieley, Lisa (Ron) Hanna, Angela Kieley (Donnie MacLennan) and Cynthia Kieley; three stepchildren, Shawn Higgins, Kellie Higgins-Turner (Jeff) and Michael ‘Mickey’ Higgins (Jill Mulvehill); three grandchildren, Christina Henderson (Brad), Sophia Kieley and Joey Hardy (Melanie); six step-grandchildren, Harrison, Sharon, Tarrah, and Jonathan, Seamus and Claire; four great-grandchildren, Edie, Hunter, Tristan, and Luke and step-great-grandchild, Niah.
The family would like to express their upmost gratitude to Dr. Meagan Keating, Dr. Greg Myatt, Dr Williams and all the wonderful nurses -who she liked to call “daughters” on 4A at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. We would also like to thank Dr. Saneea Aboud and the nurses of the An Cala Palliative Care Unit for ensuring Christina’s final hours were peaceful and respectful. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.
Christina never liked to say “Goodbye” so we will say, “See you later, we miss you and we love you”.
Visitation and funeral service to celebrate the life of Christina Higgins will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (Entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Sunday, March 19, 2023. A gathering of family and friends will take place at 5:00 pm and funeral service will follow at 6 pm in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Christina’s memory may be made to the CNIB, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Regional Hospital Foundation.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
“The only thing worse than being blind
is having sight but no vision…”
Helen Keller
Online Condolences
Our sincere condolences to the families of Christina.
Christina was a dear friend of my parents. My Mom was one of her close friends and shared a lot of good times together.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
From: Maria Sophocleous & Family
Christina was a good friend .My sincere condolences to all of her Family,You will be missed…R.I.P 🙏
From: Allan JACQUES
All of Christina’s family in Halifax, NS send condolences to the Raptis/Kieley/Higgins family on the passing of Christina. It is surely a comfort at this sad time to know that Christina received such compassionate care during the time of her brief illness and that she is now at peace, looking down on everyone with her loving smile. With kind thoughts and sincere prayers, the Pilichos Family.
Thank you so much for your kind words Cynthia.
My deepest condolences to your family and friends, thinking of you all st such a difficult time, RIP
So sad to see the loss of an amazing and sweet lady. To the family I’m sorry for your loss. RIP Christine you touched the lives of many and will be missed by those lucky to have known you
Thank you so much Sandra. You were in Mom’s heart for so many years. Bless you always.
So sorry for your loss. RIP Mrs.Kieley. XO
Thanks so much Sandra. She always asked about you.
Angela we were so sorry to hear of your mom ‘s passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Tanya and Karen Nichol
Tanya and Karen, Thank you both so much for thinking of us, we sincerely appreciate it.
My grand mother was a very special woman and it is so unfortunate that she is no longer with us. She taught me how important it is to always look on the brighter side of life and how not to give up when it seems like life has stacked the odds against you. I wish she had more time here with us, but I suppose that God had more important plans for her. I hope that she can see how much love and happiness she gave to those closest to her now that she is looking down on us all through eyes no longer veiled by darkness. I love you GiaGia. You will be missed.
Gail Sampson
I knew Christina working with her at Sampson Motors she loved jewelry & would often give me a piece from her collection ( and she had a collection) . Chris’s Dad & My Dad were good friends & we visited the Diana Sweets many times (they made the best sundae ever). Later in life Chris and I saw each other often through her picking up prizes at CJCB & we would have a chat (she loved winning the prizes) basically Christina loved everyone and being blind you would never know it she was a happy person & looked like a movie star always meticulous.
Thank you Gail. I don’t believe we ever met, but I enjoyed reading your memories of Mom and you. She certainly liked all the things you spoke about. Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us.
Angela, Lisa and Family, I offer you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I didn’t know her but Dawn Allyn spoke fondly of her. Rest assured of my prayers during this time of sorrow.
So kind of you to send your kind words and behalf of my family we also send our deepest condolences to you and your wonderful family. God bless.
My deepest condolences to you, Cynthia & the rest of your family. I adored your mom & it was always a pleasure to see her & her sweet smile when she came to the salon. I loved sharing “mom” stories with you (Cynthia), it was always a highlight of my day. May she rest peacefully. I know she will be with you all, always.
Wilma Cathcart
Angela, Lisa and Family. I offer you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I didn’t know Christine but Dawn Allyn spoke fondly of her many times. Rest assured of my prayers in this time of sorrow.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Christina she was one of the most beautiful women and lighthearted soul she will be sincerely missed.
Barb and staff First Choice Haircutters..
Angela and family, we are deeply saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. May all your wonderful memories provide comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Thanks so much Cathy and John for your thoughtfulness, it is greatly appreciated.
To all of Christina’s families please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers .She was an amazing lady who we loved dearly , always treated us like her family we will love her always .
To Cynthia and Family, so very sorry to hear of Christina’s passing. She was an amazing lady with a heart of gold. She always saw the best in everyone and everything. It was a true Blessing to have her as a neighbour. My prayer for her today is that she is at piece, safe in the arms of her saviour and happy forever more. My prayer for her family is that God will mend their hearts quickly but the memories of their mom will last forever. God Bless You All
Cynthia, Angela and family please know we are very sorry for the loss of your Mom we are thinking of you at this most difficult time.
Kim and Jenna, thank you both for thinking of us. We truly appreciate it.
Rest in Peace Mrs Kieley. To Lisa, Angela, Cynthia, Chris and families. I have some VERY fond memories of this 💕lovely lady. Amazing woman with a huge heart. Thinking about all of you during this difficult time. Love you guys xoxo
Thank you so much Renelle. Sometimes it just seems like yesterday. It was nice talking with you this week.
Please accept our prayers and condolences to the family. Christina was a lovely lady and a wonderful neighbour. She was a lady in all respects and always seemed upbeat.
Angela, Christina and Sophia, and family, our deepest condolences to you all and so sorry for the loss of your mom and grandmother. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Thanks so much Brenda, we appreciate your kind words, it means a lot.
We are so very sorry to hear of Christina’s passing and how she touched so many around her in so many different ways. She left a large family behind to carry on her legacy and to keep her memory alive in so many ways. Chris, Lisa, Angela, Cynthia and to the rest of the family and close friends, we offer our deepest condolences and will be thinking of you all on Sunday and in the coming days ahead. Love, Bob, Gi and the rest of our family here in NB. XO
Thanks so much Gi. Xo
Thank you for spending so much time with your wonderful mother. I met her( Cinnabar sp..) on the cb radio and then in person at her home on Common Street. I took her for a few drives and we sometimes ate together. She will be missed! Such a great lady!
So very sorry to hear of Christine’s passing. I remember when I was young, Christine and her mom, Mary, plus other ladies, would come to visit at my parent’s house for a game of cards and lunch. I remember them having so much fun laughing and telling stories. Even though I was young, they always let me stay and watch. I remember laughing along with them. They were all such nice ladies. Christine was a kind and beautiful soul !! My sincere condolences from both me and my father, Alex.
Thanks Joanna. I remember those late card nights as a child too. God Bless.
My sincere condolences to the Kieley family. Rollerskating forged a friendship with Lisa and her siblings at 13. Whether at the rink or their house, there was always laughter. I’m deeply sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, as dad passed the day before your mom. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. ((Hugs))
Thanks so much Dawn. We sure do have some great memories together. Hugs to you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Angela,Christina,Sophia and families:
All our love, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult
time. May your warm memories of your mom and grandmother
bring you comfort.
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness❤️
Pam and Bruce, Thank you both so much for thinking of us and your kind words. We truly appreciate it.
Lisa and family, thinking of you during this difficult time. I remember being at your house and your mother alway’s being so kind. Your treasured memories will carry you through the loss of your beloved mom.
Thanks so much Nancy. She sure had a beat on all of us! Take care.
Chris, Lisa, Angela and Cynthia I am so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. Always hard to lose someone especially your mother, I still remember her as if she was still living a couple doors away in the old neighborhood, she will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Thanks so much Cameron, we truly appreciate your kind words. We all have fond memories of the old neighbourhood for sure.
Thank you so much Carron. I’ve often fondly reflected on our younger years as children. Times were so wholesome back then.
To Angela and family. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mom. She was an incredible woman who touched so many hearts, she will be missed by so many.
Thanks so much Joel, my family
and I truly appreciate your kind words. Thanks for all your support during these most difficult times, I am extremely grateful.
My deepest condolences to all Christina”s family & friends She was the sweetest,kindest & strongest lady . Thoughts & Prayers to all-May GOD give you the strength to bear your loss –FLY HIGH CHRISTINA -R.I.P.