Obituary of DENISCHUK – Christine Elizabeth

December 14, 1953 – January 9, 2010 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Christine Elizabeth Denischuk on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the young age of 56 after a courageous battle with cancer. Christine is survived by her loving family, husband Dan of 34 years, sons Kevin and Craig, mother Patricia Kalyniuk of Winnipeg, sister Connie of Winnipeg, brother Rick (Willie) of Baltimore, MD, sister Betty-Anne (Randy) of Winnipeg, brother-in-law Fred (Susan) of San Diego, sister-in-law Debbie (Roland) of Waldersee, MB, and brother-in-law Eddie (Glenda) of Winnipeg, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Anthony Kalyniuk in 1990. Christine was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, and attended Windsor Park Collegiate. She had a childhood filled with warm memories of good friends, family gatherings, and summers at the Whiteshell. Following high school, Chris attended Success Business College where, in 1972, she met Dan, the love of her life. They married in 1975, and in 1976, they relocated to Calgary, Alberta. Chris was very active in the community, socially, and at work. She enjoyed the Calgary Stampede festivities every year, drives into the mountains, and volunteered on the board of the local community club for several years. As well, a real thrill for Chris was to volunteer at the Calgary Olympics in 1988. She also thoroughly enjoyed being an active member of the Mavka Ukrainian dance group in Calgary, and made her dad proud for doing so. Early in her career, she owned and operated a fruit and nut shop, while raising her two young boys. Soon after, she joined the law firm of Burnett, Duckworth, and Palmer as assistant to Harry Campbell where she worked for more than 25 years until her diagnosis in January 2009. One of the greatest loves of her life was spending time at the family cottage at Nutimik Lake in the Whiteshell in Manitoba. Each summer, Chris would ensure she planned vacation at the cottage, which was built as a labour of love by her father in 1972. It was those annual family reunions at the cottage which meant so much to her. During her life, Chris was fortunate to accompany her boys on hockey and school trips all over the world, including Europe, Australia, and Japan. Chris always had a love for travel, and more recently, she also became a part-time travel agent. In addition to her clients, she organized a variety of family trips, including a recent memorable cruise with family and friends to South America in 2008, and a special Mediterranean cruise with her mom in 2004. Chris was an extremely proud mom. She was thrilled with her sons’ academic and sporting accomplishments, and enjoyed a closeness with both boys. Kev and Tiger were the apples of her eye, and were by her side throughout her struggle, which gave her immense comfort. And, it was her loving husband Dan who stood by her side every day and gave her undying hope, strength, and courage to fight her battle against cancer. Chris had many close and long lasting friendships over the years, from her childhood, high school, and her work and community life. During Chris’ battle with cancer, friends and family were by her side and called to offer help in anyway possible. It was those strong friendships and family closeness that meant so much to Chris. Many thanks to the oncologists and nurses at the Tom Baker Cancer Center, and to the staff at the Sarcee Hospice for their care and compassion during Chris’ stay there. The family also wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who sent their well wishes and prayers to Chris and the family over this past year. Words cannot express what that meant to Chris and to us all. Chris you are deeply loved and will be missed dearly by all of us, and you will be in our hearts forever. May the angels guide you home where one day we will all be together again…..we love you. “God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be, So He closed His arms around you, And whispered “Come to Me”, You didn’t deserve what you went through, So He took you home to rest, God’s gardens must be beautiful, For He only takes the best” Rest in Peace A Funeral Service will be held at Woodcliff United Church (5010 Spruce Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ memory would be greatly accepted at the Pancreatic Cancer Canada foundation, or at the Alberta Humane Society. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Christine Denischuk, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.