LOUISE CHRISTIE, beloved wife of the late Stewart Christie, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael's Health Centre, on Saturday, December 6th, 2014 at the age of 78 years.
Louise Christie has transitioned to her next creative adventure. It is her fervent wish that we share a smile, a light heart and the heartwarming joy of laughter, as Louise always felt that a healthy sense of humor was essential to weathering life's inevitable ups and downs. Although the family's hearts are heavy with sorrow, the courage and grace with which Louise faced her health challenges to the end serve as an enduring inspiration to cherish our relationships, continue to find joy in life and celebrate Louise's well lived journey. Born Nov 11, 1936 in Unity, SK, Louise graduated in 1957 from the Metropolitan General Hospital School of Nursing in Windsor, ON, with many classmate friendships enduring to this day. As a child Louise grew very fond of Alberta over the course of several family trips across Canada. When Louise and Stewart married in 1958, they chose to move to Alberta which Stewart had also grown to love during his travels. Heather and Ian were born in Red Deer and when career opportunities beckoned in Southern Alberta in 1967 the family moved to Claresholm, Coaldale (1973) and finally Lethbridge (1985). Louise's nursing career spanned thirty years at the Claresholm Care Center, AADAC and the Taber Medical Clinic, where she earned the admiration and affection of colleagues and patients alike for her professionalism, discipline, collegiality and compassion.
Louise's active memberships and dedicated volunteerism included the Lethbridge Seniors Center (tai chi instructor, computer club, librarian), McKillop United Church (book sales, quilters, healing touch) and the Lethbridge Sewing Guild to name a few organizations and activities. She served as Worthy Matron for Eastern Star Laurel Chapter #43, volunteered as camp nurse at Canyon Church Camp and generously shared her incredibly gifted cooking, sewing, quilting, knitting, needlework and artwork creations with countless friends and family. Many have been touched by the breadth and outreach of Louise's generous heart.
An avid reader Louise was always stretching her great intellect with new learning in a diverse range of subjects. Louise's travels were immersed in much historical and cultural research and included the UK, Europe, Australia, China, Bermuda, Hawaii and many trips throughout North America. Louise also found much joy in gardening, playing the piano, chatting with friends and especially spending time with family.
Pre-deceased by Stewart in January 2010, Louise is survived by her brother Jim Wood (Lina), sisters Helen Allan (Don) and Margaret Birtwistle (Greg), son Ian Christie (Tracey), daughter Heather Gore-Hickman (Tim), granddaughters Shaylene, Richelle, Erin, Emily and Christy, and many extended family members who will also miss her. In 2007, Louise was happily reunited with a son, Shaun Martin, whom she had given up for adoption in 1957. Shaun and his wife Elisa are welcome additions to the family along with their children Rebecca, Bennett and Flynn. The family wishes to express gratitude for Louise's exceptional care by Dr. Smuts, Manoj Dhakal, and the staff at St. Mikes CSB Unit, Greystokes homecare and David Holland Cancer Center.
A Memorial Service will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB., on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to either The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Prairies/NWT, #300, 1324 17th Ave. S.W. Calgary, AB., T2T 5S8, www.cbcf.org or St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, 1400 9th Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 4V1. Condolences may be forwarded through Cornerstone Funeral Home.
In keeping with Louise's preference, in lieu of memorial bouquets, a donation has been made to the recently initiated McKillop 'Spirit Kids' program which Louise was excited about and eager to support.