Obituary of Christine Georgia Mitzner

On Saturday, May 9, 2020, Christine Georgia Mitzner (Johnson), 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of family.  

Christine was born on September 19, 1932 in Bentley, Alberta, the eldest child to Gustav and Clara Johnson. Growing up on the family farm outside of Bentley, she developed her love of family and nature.  She prided herself on her aptitude for learning, earning a scholarship to attend the University of Alberta.  Christine was married at the age of 19 and had 8 children (Kathleen, Marilyn, Bruce, Brian, Kevin, Cameron, Louie and Dawn).  When widowed at the age of 36, she was faced with having to raise and support her 7 children on her own.  Never one to shy away from a challenge, Christine expanded the farm and became a developer and entrepreneur.  In addition to her businesses, she served on Strathmore's Town Council and devoted many hours volunteering for numerous community organizations.  In 1993, she won Calgary's Women of Distinction Award for Volunteer Service. 

Christine had a passion for wildlife and the environment. Her many hobbies included playing cards, sewing, baking, bird-watching, woodworking and painting. She was also an avid music lover and enjoyed playing, singing and dancing to old-time country music. Christine was an incredibly strong and independent woman who never hesitated to act on the courage of her convictions. 

She was known for her quick-witted intelligence, her infectious smile and her ability to see the good.  Through all of life’s ups and downs she never lost her kind, generous and gentle spirit.  Love and compassion were the cornerstones on which she lived her life. Her capacity to wake each morning and greet the new day with joy was remarkable.  Her strength and character were inspirational.

She cherished her family and centred her life around maintaining close bonds. From great aunts to great-great-grandchildren, she never forgot a birthday or missed reaching out. She always made time to make everyone feel loved and special, to share her wisdom, to provide perspective or encouragement or to just listen. She always made time.  

Christine is survived by her children Kathleen (Larry), Kevin, Louie (Trish), and Dawn (Bill), 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, siblings Muriel, Gloria (Dan), Adele (Gerry)  and James and her friend Rocky.  Christine was preceded in death by her parents Gustav and Clara, her husband Donald, her siblings Clarence, Orvil, and Julie, and her children Marilyn, Bruce, Brian and Cameron.  

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when pandemic restrictions are relaxed. 

Christine's family would like to thank Dr. Fanning for his kind and compassionate care.