It is with profound sadness that we report the unexpected death of our dearly beloved “Deacon Christine” McIlvain on Thursday. Details remain limited at this time regarding the cause of her death.
Christine was a part of Christ Church for many years — since 2003, to be exact. She arrived that March, shortly after Jim Shoucair’s arrival, and served faithfully in official capacity as a deacon until a few years ago. But continued on a limited basis quite literally until Easter Day 2026, just a few days ago.
Over the years, Christine not only served at the altar on Sunday mornings, but also led the then-weekly Women in Discipleship gatherings; spearheaded the connection with Pastor Deo’s ministries in Rwanda and the Mustard Seed Project — the local organization that sponsored the Sonrise School in Rwanda; and offered steady leadership through Stephen Ministry and Women’s Retreats.
When Christine first arrived at Christ Church, she was still working as a school librarian at Hopewell High School in Aliquippa, a position from which she retired a few years later. She never seemed to “retire” from being a Deacon, though — no matter how hard she tried. Even after stepping back from various leadership roles, something always seemed to call her right back to the altar.
She was there to help when Canon Jim experienced health challenges a few years ago, and she remained faithfully in place when Father Chuck arrived last year as our Interim Rector, serving on a bi-weekly basis through the end of 2025.
It’s hard for many of us to believe she was with us just this past Sunday. However, iIf there is a light to be found in this sorrow, it is that she died in the Octave of the feast day she loved so dearly, and now rests in the company of the Risen Christ and all her beloved relatives who have gone before her including her parents, and of course her dog, Chloe who attended many meetings with Christine..
Christine is survived by many cousins and her dog, Angus.
Very truly,
The Christ Church Staff
A funeral service will be held at Christ Church, North Hills, 5910 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 on Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m.
Clergy are invited to vest and process with white stoles.
A visitation will be on Thursday, April 16, from 4-7 p.m. at Tatalovich Funeral Home, 2205 McMinn St., Aliquippa, PA 15001
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant Christine and grant her an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. –BCP p. 470