My dear friend Cristina Macaya

In March, it will be two years since Cristina López Mancisidor, better known as Cristina Macaya, left us. She was my dear friend, and not a day goes by when I don’t think of her. I feel her loss deeply, and I miss her with all my heart. Cristina was more than a friend; she was an extraordinary human being, like a heavenly angel who blessed the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The memories I hold of our time together are precious, and I cherish each one. Whether it was our journey to India for the royal wedding of Princess Padmaja of Mewar in Udaipur, our trip to New York for the Women Together Gala at the United Nations, where we both received awards, or my many visits to Es Canyar, her beautiful home in Mallorca. Cristina’s presence made every experience brighter. I think of the lunches and dinners at her home in Madrid, full of laughter and warmth, and the wisdom she shared when I launched Metaphore magazine in Spain over 20 years ago. Her insightful advice shaped my journey in ways I will never forget. It also shaped my life in many ways.

Known for her unlimited generosity and commitment to philanthropy, Cristina left a lasting impression. As President of the Spanish Red Cross, her dedication to humanitarian causes was exemplary. She poured herself into countless initiatives, from disaster relief efforts to community welfare programmes, driven by a deep desire to help those in need. Cristina understood that true strength comes from lifting others, and she made it her mission to ensure help and support reached those who needed it most. Her compassion was not just a duty—it was the core of who she was.

In Mallorca, Cristina was a passionate advocate for drug prevention programmes, recognising the devastating effects of addiction on individuals and families. Her involvement with Proyecto Hombre highlighted her commitment to offering second chances and fostering hope for those struggling with substance abuse. Cristina’s work in this area reflected her profound belief in the power of community, and her dedication to this cause made a real difference to many lives.

Despite her high-profile status and a life surrounded by influential people, Cristina remained a woman of great humility and discretion. Her friendships were central to her life, and after her children, they were her greatest joy. She was the epitome of loyalty—what happened in her home or within her circle stayed there. Her integrity and discretion were qualities admired by all who knew her.

She was the embodiment of elegance, grace, charm and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her life was one of substance, purpose, and quiet determination. Far from being simply a socialite, she was a force for good, using her influence to make a meaningful impact on the world around her. Whether she was hosting grand events or dedicating her time to the causes closest to her heart, she approached life with a sense of duty and love that was deeply felt by those around her.

What truly set Cristina apart was not just her generosity, but the way she carried it with such humility. She never sought attention for herself but instead shone a light on the people and causes that needed it. Her compassion was boundless, and it is no wonder she was so dearly loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

In her circle of friends, she was the glue that held us together. Her warmth, laughter, and wisdom were constants in our lives. She was a woman who celebrated life in all its forms, with a spirit that was both infectious and comforting. Her friendship was a gift, her presence a source of strength, and her loyalty unwavering.

Her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched and the impact she made. She leaves behind more than memories of her beauty and elegance; she leaves a legacy of kindness, compassion, and grace. Though we deeply feel her absence, we are inspired by the values she lived by – her generosity of spirit, her quiet strength, and her commitment to helping others – which continue to touch all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cristina Macaya’s life was a shining example of how one person’s dedication and love can light up the world. She may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in the lessons she taught us and the lives she changed. She is missed more than words can express, but her legacy will remain forever, a beacon of kindness and grace for generations to come.

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