With great sadness we announce the passing of Christine Byquist on November 5, 2020 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 98. She was predeceased by her husband, Charlie in the 1953 Polio epidemic, her parents Ernest and Catherine Strath, her siblings, Dr. Jim (Lucille) Strath, Dorothy (Weldon) Ray, and Mary (Ivan) Routledge.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Ruth Byquist and Bette (Bruce) Bowman, grandchildren, Shannon, Shaun (Samantha), and great –grandchildren Noah and Jayden. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Lucille Strath, nine nieces and nephews and their families.
Christine was born on the family farm near Shoal Lake, Manitoba. Although they faced many challenges during the depression they were a very close knit family who valued family and education. Being raised on the farm led to a lifelong love of wild flowers and birds. Christine spent many springs looking for crocuses and lady slippers. Christine attended the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1945. She returned to university in 1958 to obtain her Certificate in Public Health Nursing. Over the years she worked at the Deer Lodge, the Children’s Nursery at the Women’s Pavillion at the Health Science Center, the Ellen Douglas School, the first nurse at the U of W, and over 30 years as a Public Health Nurse. During her time with public health she and three other courageous nurses (all single parents) fought hard to create the first Wpg Civic Registered Nurses Association in 1965. Christine then became the president of this first nurses-only union in Manitoba history. This Association was predecessor to the MONA and MNU nurses unions.
Our mother was very adventurous. She traveled most of Canada and the northern United States in her 1st car, a Volkswagen Beetle, with a tent and two young daughters. To this day we treasure the memory of waking up in a tent to the smell of fresh coffee and crackling bacon and eggs. Although she was a single parent we never felt we missed out on anything.
After her retirement Christine spent over 30 years enjoying the cottage at Falcon Lake. She loved to spend summers reading on the deck, watching sunsets, and swimming. Family and visitors loved her homemade pies, butter tarts, and buns. Many winters she traveled around the world with friends. Christine was very close to her cousins in Scotland and many a trip was spent with family traveling 6 in a van exploring the highlands. Nothing was more important to Christine than her family, birthdays, and holidays. She loved her morning coffee and the newspaper. This past year of isolation nearly broke her heart. She will be remembered for her love of family.
Special thanks to all the care givers and staff at The Rosewood Supportive Housing Facility in Winnipeg for four years of care, concern, and kindness.
At Christine’s request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation has taken place.
“So when tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me
I’m right here in your heart”
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
Alzheimer Society Manitoba
Dementia Care & Brain Health
10 – 120 Donald Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2
Tel: (204) 943-6622
or
Nurses Alumni Association of the WGH/HSC
(Winnipeg General Hospital/Health Science Centre)
General Fund
NA 138-700 McDermot Ave
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T2
Tel: (204) 787-1170
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Christine Elizabeth Byquist Thursday November 5th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba