Condolences
I learned about Mrs. Christie's passing through my parents and the ATRF newsletter. I'm so sad for her loss. She was my Jr. High Language arts teacher and she had a massive impact on my life. When I was a teenager my dream was to become an astronaut, and when everyone else sort of smirked at the idea, she actively pushed me to pursue it. She fostered a love of science in me and helped me get so many opportunities to learn, meet astronauts, and plan for my future goal. In the end because of the inspiration of teachers like her I became an educator, however I couldn't go without saying I gave the astronaut goal everything I had, because it wouldn't honor the work she did with me, so in 2016 I applied to the Canadian Space Agency, not expecting anything. My application made it into the top 20% before I was finally cut from the recruiting program. Through the course of the application I re-connected with Mrs. Christie to share that part of my journey and she was so encouraging and thrilled that I took the leap. When my rejection email came from the CSA, 5 years ago today, I thanked her for all she did for me, and didn't hear from her after that. A few weeks later a gift from her showed up at the school I was working at... a signed copy of Chris Hadfield's 'The Darkest Dark'. It's one of my most cherished memories. The world is so much brighter because of the light that Mrs. Christie sparked in what I can only imagine are countless teens over her years as an educator. May eternal light shine upon her.
I taught this beautiful, talented, friendly vibrant girl at St Joseph’s Catholic high school in Grande Prairie. I SO regret loosing touch. I only this moment learned of her passing via ARTA News Views. I’m so stunned and shocked. What a horrific loss! She was a beautiful spirit indeed.
The world has lost a beautiful ray of sunshine. I knew Arlene way back in GP. Her parents were so proud of her. When I think of Arlene as a teenager, I remember her beautiful smile. I remember her at the pool when my children were much younger. I never followed her life after we left Grande Prairie but when I saw her obituary, I felt a sadness that God had taken this special person home so young.
Calgary RCMP Veterans Association
Our deepest sympathy to Tom and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Arlene was an active member of our Association and we appreciate her devoted service.
Public (visible to all)
Dear Tom, Andrew, Michael and Robert,
You all spoke so well at Arlene’s funeral Mass. Arlene was my boss, a colleague and best of all a friend in retirement. She was always and is so proud of you. In the months ahead, as your freezer of food lowers I will be stopping by.
Nancy
Arlene was a terrific Teacher Advisor to both our girls. She was a lovely, lovely person. We had many great conversations. She was always interested in the whole family. We are so saddened by her passing. She will be greatly missed by all. Our deepest condolences to her family. Rest in Peace.
Rita, George, Michela and Sabrina Johnson
So hard to believe Arlene is gone. She was such a good Shannon Circle neighbour. Our very deepest condolences to Tom and the boys. Mel and Rita.
I worked with Arlene in the English Department at Bishop Carroll. Arlene was incredibly thoughtful. She never forgot a colleague's birthday, and she loved to celebrate special occasions. I do not recall how, but Arlene found out that I love red velvet cake. Years after I left Bishop Carroll, I often received texts from Arlene on or around my birthday, often with a new red-velvet-inspired recipe that she had found somewhere. Simply put, Arlene genuinely cared about people. She will be deeply missed.
Dear Tom, Andrew, Michael, Robert and Dolores,
It was with a heavy heart hearing of Arlene’s passing, having Arlene as a friend was a true honor, although miles apart she always made you feel you lived in the neighborhood. It was a lovely service and hearing more of Arlene’s life as a wife , mother, teacher, cook and others is still inspiration for us all to continue to be the kind of friend she was to all of us. God bless, Angie and Gary Kons
We are very sorry for your loss, Tom, Robert, Michael and Andrew! Arlene was one of a kind. She was one of the most thoughtful and compassionate people we have ever met. Her Christmas cards, letters and family pictures were always such a pleasure to read and a highlight in our mailbox! She was very proud of her family and kept us in the loop on the boys’ achievements and lives. She also sent the occasional picture of Tom in his uniform or of Robert watching German soccer in his jersey, knowing that I was doing the same. She always made a point to stay in touch even after we moved away from the neighbourhood.. Arlene was such a warm-hearted, amazing and inspiring woman! We will miss her dearly! But at the same time we are extremely grateful and lucky to have known her! We are praying for you and your family! Suse, Ed and Amily
Arlene always thought of everyone else. Always a genuinely kind and giving person. So many fond and fun memories hold on to.
I have so may fond memories of spending time with Arlene and the Christies in the Christie household. There was always so much laughter, love, warmth, and good food. She will be very much missed.
My deepest condolences to Tom, Andrew, Michael, Robert, and Dolores.
With love,
Jacquie McNulty
Arlene, was one of the first teachers I met on my journey as a teacher. In the time we had together, I grew not only as a teacher, but as a person because of her. I will always remember her kind heart and passion for teaching.
Arlene and I taught together at St Bonaventure. We became good friends and continued our friendship after our career paths parted ways, both in visits and as pen pals. I could count on receiving many chocolate recipes inside every card and letter I cherished from Arlene.
One winter weekend I informed Arlene that myself, my husband and our two preteen children were heading to Banff for a holiday. I had hoped to stop through Calgary to visit my friend. She of course in ‘Arlene’ style insisted we stay for a small brunch before we reached the mountains. My children still talk about that ‘small’ brunch 12 years later. She spoiled us with enough delicious food to feed an army. That was Arlene. Gracious with her time and energy. Gracious with her enthusiasm and love. Life-giving to all those she touched.
I will miss you my friend.
Arlene was very friendly and kind to us the Ladwa family, we will miss her great smile and kindness. Our heartfelt condolences to Tom, Andrew, Michael, Robert, Dolores. May the Almighty God rest her soul in eternal bliss. Amen.
Tom, Andrew, Robert, Michael and Dolores...
Arlene was a light on earth. Greater than a candle flame...more powerful in her love for her husband, her boys and her mom than the sun. She ignited her light in everyone she met, and kindled us with her glowing sparks. Every student she encountered basked in her warmth, and like embers will spread her goodness and light wherever they may go in life. In the words of the poet Evelyn Tooley Hunt, Arlene "....is a sunrise that promises tomorrow and tomorrow."
She will always hold a place in my heart as my most fabulous friend, my first mentor as a rookie teacher and the source of some of the best cooking I've ever tasted! I will forever cherish the flame I received, and she will be remembered. My hugs and deep condolences to Tom and her family...may God be gentle in His love for you during this time of heartache.
Rest in peace, my dear friend.
I sat by Mrs. Christie’s desk almost every day during my time at Bishop Carroll. She would always greet every student by name in the mornings and ask us what we were working on. I always greatly appreciated her kindness and her desire to help students succeed. I still have the letter she sent me when I graduated from Bishop Carroll. My condolences to the family. I am keeping you and Mrs. Christie in my prayers. May she rest in peace.
Arlene was such a happy and down-to-earth person who always greeted me with a smile every time I met her, in the school or stores (mostly at Costco and the Bay). I will miss her dearly. Please accept my genuine sympathies. It always takes heartache and sadness to cope with a tremendous loss. May the Lord wrap His arms around each and every one of you as you grieve.
With deepest sympathies,
Zena
Tom, my condolences to you and your family in the loss of Arlene. May god give you peace and strength.
Our boys and two of the Christie boys were the exact same age and grade. They grew up together, went to school together and played sports together for many years. Tom and I coached all of our sons together as co-coaches for years. The boys were either at our house or the Christie household for visits and sleepovers for too many times to count. We built up a comfortable relationship and friendship with the whole Christie family. Arlene was a good mother and wife, and more than that, a good person. She will be missed.
My condolences to the family. Mrs.Christie was my TA during my time at Carroll. May God give you peace and strength in this time ❤️
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Tom and family. Arlene always talked of how proud she was of her boys and just how much she loved them and her husband. I was so grateful to Arlene to be the first to welcome me at Bishop Carroll. She made sure she checked up on me and made me feel part of a great community. We shared many laughs and stories, Hugs to all.
May Arlene rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you Tom and your family. I will never forget the warmth her smile brought to me.
Tom, our sincerest condolences and sympathies to you and family during this very difficult time of the loss of Arlene,
Phil & Sharon Northrup
Tom, Andrew, Michael, Robert, and Dolores,
My deepest condolences and prayers to all of you as you mourn the loss of your beloved wife, mother and daughter. I feel blessed to have worked alongside Arlene for 9.5 years during our shared time at Bishop Carroll. Arlene and I shared many stories of family and our earlier years in the Grande Prairie area and her deep love of all of you was very evident on a daily basis. She was a consummate professional and worked tirelessly to support all of her students. May God bless you as you grieve the loss of Arlene.
Such a loss.
My condolences to the family.
I always enjoyed it when she came to visit me and she always made my workday a little better. She was always so proud of her family. I’ll miss her.
Dear Tom, Andrew, Michael, Robert, and Dolores,
Sending each of you my deepest sympathies. It was a joy to become Arlene’s friend and English colleague at Bishop Carroll High School.
Learning about the importance of family was a tremendous blessing while working alongside Arlene. Not a single day passed at BCHS without her sharing an update on her talented sons, her beloved Tom, or her influential parents. We often marked in the English Resource Center after school and our conversations revealed that Arlene’s loved ones were always in her thoughts.
Sharing a workspace with Arlene helped me recognize her pivotal role within our school community. I frequently witnessed administrators, teachers, support staff, and caretakers stopping by Arlene’s desk to share a laugh or seek her wise advice. She regularly showcased her flair for entertaining and decorating while we volunteered on our staff social committee too.
Observing Arlene’s Teacher Advisor mentorship meetings and Book Club events clearly demonstrated her passion for assisting others and promoting reading. These qualities remained evident throughout her retirement with news updates and book recommendations.
Arlene profoundly influenced my instructional, extra-curricular, and leadership roles at Bishop Carroll. I will never forget her valuable lessons on living in the moment and listening with an open heart.
May my courageous and thoughtful friend rest in peace.
I was incredibly fortunate to have Arlene and Tom in my life from a very early age. Some of my earliest memories are of chasing Oreo (the cat) around their apartment and getting horse back rides from Tom (probably to give Oreo a break). I have always been amazed at the compassion, genuine love and support they have shown me. I am very proud to have followed in Tom’s footsteps and will miss Arlene and her Christmas letters. Thank you Arlene, I will miss you.
I taught with Arlene at St Bonaventure. She also taught my children and always showed an avid interest in their lives. I used to tease her about her multi coloured sticky notes and pens. No one was as organized as Arlene. She took my teasing in stride and smiled and giggled. She was incredibly proud of her boys and Tom. May you Rest In Peace Arlene.
Tom and family, our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We are so sorry to hear of this. You(and your family) are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Trever &Jolinda BOWMAN
In my time as Principal at Bishop Carroll (2013-17), I was given a warm welcome by all staff and, in particular, from Arlene. In all of our conversations, I remember a pragmatic approach to solving problems and student concerns, however, her greatest gifts to me were the e-mails that began, "Neil--have you thought about...," which were always reminders about events I may wish to address or plan for, some time in the next week and sometimes two months away! I was always grateful for her sense of pride and ownership for all things in Cardinal Nation. If I was providing she or the staff with clarification in an e-mail, she always replied, "Noted with thanks." Once I moved on from Bishop Carroll, I started to use that exact phrase in suitable replies and it continuously brings back fond memories of Arlene and her caring ways. My prayers and condolences to Tom and the Christie family. May Arlene rest in the comfort of Our Lord.
It is with profound sadness that I express my condolences to Tom and the entirety of the Christie family. Arlene is someone I will never forget. Her love for her students and colleagues and her passion for the success of all the students who crossed her path is remarkable. She was always interested in what was going in the lives of those around her. A few days before my wedding in 2017, Arlene sent me a beautiful note telling me she would be: "holding you dear to my heart". This beautiful, simple phrase has stuck with me. I will be holding Arlene and her family dear to my heart.
Shanna Hedley
My sincere condolences to Tom and families.
I got to know Arlene went I worked at Bishop Carroll, she was a wonderful person.
Arlene will always hold a place in my heart. We worked together to support many students during our time together at Bishop Carroll. I will also never forget the amazing baby shower and tea she held for me in her backyard when my daughter Leena was born. Sending Love and prayers to Tom and the boys. Erin Luong
sincere Condolences to you Tom and the Boys on Arlene's death She was a joyful happy person Always ready to welcome everyone My thoughts and prayers are with you Anna Duffy
Mrs. Christie was one of my favourite English teachers at Bishop Carroll High School. She taught us to always be prepared and at the top of our game when we came to seminars and she was so passionate about her subject. I learned a lot from her! She will be remembered forever by all the students and teachers she mentored.
Arlene: your smile, limitless energy and perfection to detail will be missed. You have done so much for the Bishop Carroll school community that no words can suffice to express gratitude. I remember in my first year at Carroll, how you accidentally called me "Theresa" & I would often correct you. As a small patch-up gesture you quietly placed in my mailbox a post-it pad and a matching teacher's pen, and you never got my name wrong after that. That was Arlene!
Your strong presence and intelligence was an asset to the English department and Carroll. RIP my dear. I am so blessed that our paths have crossed in this lifetime. Sincere condolences from Jasmine & Elizabeth Tharagan.
I had the honour and privilege of working with Arlene at Bishop Carroll when I was a new teacher. Her guidance and our talks were always appreciated. We talked about art, writing and shoes! I still have the articles and notes she sent me about shoes, including a cute napkin decorated with beautiful high heels that I keep on my desk even today. She was a wonderful women with a kind and generous spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Prayers and condolences to Tom, Andrew, Robert, Michael and Dolores. I had the pleasure of working with Arlene at BCHS. Arlene was always impeccably dressed and very professional. She was so kind and always came and said a personal thank you when you did anything for her. She will be missed and the world is worse off with someone like Arlene missing. Hugs and prayers.
Ann
My heart felt prayers are with you Tom, Andrew, Robert, Michael and Dolores.
Even though I have not personal meet you, I feel that I know you. Arlene spoke highly of you and the love and pride she had in each of you showed in the stories she would tell about your accomplishments.
I work in the Music department at Bishop Carroll and Arlene never missed one of our concerts and she always brought her Mom, to share in her joy of the students work in music.
She touched me with her joy and love she had for her students and the staff her at Bishop Carroll.
I will never forget her smile.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
Much Love and Prayers.
Melissa McCaffrey
I had the privilege to get to know and work with Arlene many years ago as Coordinating Teachers supporting students who were Gifted and Talented with the Calgary Catholic School District. Her professionalism, and dedication was to be admired. Her positive nature and great sense of humour had a huge impact on all those she worked with. What I remember most about our conversations is how devoted Arlene was to her family and how proud she was of her three young boys – when she spoke about Tom and her boys there was a sparkle in her eyes and always a smile on her face. My heart-felt condolences to Tom and her family for the loss of such a wonderful person – I pray that God watches over all of you during this most difficult time.
-Rose Ferreirinha
My memories of Arlene are that of a caring, kind, thoughtful human being. Although her past few years had been fraught with her own concerns that would debilitate most people, Arlene dealt with them by concentrating her energy on her family and friends. I remember the last time that we met, when I got to thank her for her prayers that she sent to me and my family while I was deployed to Afghanistan. I will never forget her kindness. She made a difference in my life. I only wish that we all could have a positive influence on someone's life as she made to so many. Wendy and I send our deepest sympathies to Tom and the boys at this hard hard time. Take solace in knowing Arlene made a difference.
Rick and Wendy Robertson
Prayers and condolences to Tom, Andrew, Robert, Michael and Dolores. I was blessed to work with and develop a friendship with Arlene. Her love of family was evident. She spoke with such joy and pride about the men in her life. She’ll be missed terribly. Love you my friend. ‘Already’
My deepest condolences to Tom and the family. I had the privilege to work with Arlene at BCHS for many years, and she always spoke so lovingly of her family-Tom, her mother, and how proud she was of her boys.
She was my mentor when I came to BCHS, where for the better part of the year (and for years after) she imparted her wisdom as a TA on me. I will always be grateful for her guidance, and what became a friendship. Arlene was always there to offer life advice- a life that she lived on her own terms. I admired her strength as a woman and mother, and often wondered how she managed to fit all of her commitments in her days. She said the trick was to cook/prep on the weekends- a tip I use to this day. Often after work she’d be dashing off to the grocery store. I don’t know where she got the stamina.
But it was the little conversations we’d have in passing or at meetings that I will remember the most. Her beautiful smile that would light up those stunning eyes. Her sarcastic smirk, or when she’d roll her eyes and then smile. Every Friday she’d ask what my plans were on the weekend. And the birthday celebrations, which she ALWAYS remembered somehow, in which she told me that “every birthday is a gift from God.” How right she is.
She walks with us every day at BCHS. She is there at the desk, always with a vase of beautiful flowers resting on top, or in the staff room cleaning out the fridge, or in her office working. Her presence will not be forgotten in our hearts.
Goodbyes are so hard, and Arlene did not like them.
So it’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye, my friend, “May God hold you in the palm of his hand, until we meet again.”
Love Erin
Tom and family, Pat and I extend our most sincere condolences on Arlene’s passing.
Don & Pat McDermid
Dear Tom, Andrew, Michael, Robert and Dolores,
Our heartfelt condolences. Arlene was an amazing friend, daughter, wife, mother, godmother, colleague to many. I am very grateful for our 47+ years of friendship. I have many fond memories together and will always cherish her thoughtfulness and sense of humor. As a godmother to my son Chad, she continued to show us her dedication and love. Arlene created a beautiful home for her family and friends and that will be everlasting, may her spirit continue to shine bright. Xo Carrie, Rob, Chad and family
Our condolences to Tom, Andrew, Michael, Robert and Dolores. Arlene was the epitome of what all people should strive to be. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, relative and friend. Her door was always open to everyone. Sharyn and I have many fond memories of our visits with the Christie family and Arlene's excellent hospitality. We were blessed to have known Arlene and her exemplary life. You will certainly be missed Arlene but never forgotten. Your spirit lives on through Dolores, Tom and your boys.
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