Obituaries

CATHERINE LOUISE CHRISTIE, R.N.
December 2, 1964 – November 6, 2017
   It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved daughter, sister, auntie and friend, Catherine (Kate) Louise Christie, following a brief illness.    Kate is survived by her mother Sheila Christie; brother Bob (Gloria) Christie; sister Barbara (Bruce) Sewart and her nieces and nephews, Taylor, Drew, Mac and Isabella. Kate’s passing leaves a gaping hole in our family and her boundless love and caring will be missed by all. She was predeceased by her father William (Bill) Christie.      She was a St. James girl having attended Linwood Elementary, Bannatyne, Bruce and Sturgeon Creek High School.  She always got a kick out of going to her niece and nephew’s band concerts or various sporting events because they attended the same schools as she, so it rekindled lots of memories. She was a dutiful aunt. Make no mistake though, Kate had a wicked sense of humour and a knack of delivering a sideways look that said everything without saying anything.   After High School Kate graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Grace Hospital Nursing Program in 1991. Nursing was a natural fit for Kate; her caring empathetic nature ultimately led her to a specialized career in geriatrics. She enjoyed her daily interactions and conversations with her patients, treating each with dignity, compassion and respect. Kate was one of those rare and special nurses who was a strong advocate for the elderly.   Kate was a wonderful member of our family. She took care of us in so many different ways.  Not only did she have our medical needs in hand, she was also the family “barbequer” at all of our summer celebrations. She liked to help out in the kitchen as long as we were all singing and dancing to her Mexican music.   Travel was one of Kate’s passions. She had a particular fondness for Mexico. There was nothing she loved more than sitting in the sun, listening to music, sipping a glass of wine and taking in the beautiful view of the ocean. She never minded the view of the cabana boys either!   London and Paris were among Kate’s favourite destinations.  A highlight was spending New Year’s Eve in Trafalgar Square and then closing the local pub down in the wee hours of the morning. Kate wanted to see and experience everything in any destination she visited, and she enjoyed recapping the day’s adventures with her fellow travellers.   Kate was an avid fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and would have been disappointed they didn’t make it to the Grey Cup again this year.  At least she was able to see them lambaste the Saskatchewan Rough Riders in the annual Banjo Bowl.  It was always a satisfying day when her Blue and Gold won!   She loved going to the Manitoba Theatre Centre with her Mom and lunching with her many lovely girlfriends. Kate’s idea of relaxation was putting on her headphones, sitting on her deck and listening to her music while soaking up the sun. She always had music playing in her house; it made her happy.   The family will be celebrating Kate’s life when we can do so in a style befitting her.  So, for now, raise a glass and remember her fondly.  She was devoted to her family and friends.  We were lucky to have her in our lives.   Allie-Mae was her lovely little cat whom she adored. It was important to Kate to support cat rescue shelters. If friends so desire, donations may be made to: Friend Fundraising for Animal Shelters (FFAS), 1 Westmount Bay, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1Y7 or the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com