Obituary of Arlene Ann CHRISTIE

October 3, 1960 – Edmonton, Alberta
May 29, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Arlene Ann Christie beloved wife, mother, daughter and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the age of 60 years. 

Arlene was born in Edmonton, AB on October 3, 1960 to parents Dr. Frank and Mrs. Dolores Kozar. She spent her early childhood in Edmonton before moving to Grande Prairie, AB during elementary school. Growing up she was known by her friends as a star student, community pool life-guard, and avid disco dancer. Her many life-long friends describe Arlene as a woman of incredible warmth, faith, dedication, generosity of spirit, and poise. 

Arlene graduated from the University of Alberta with her Bachelor of Education in 1982. She remained a proud alumnus throughout her life. Her first teaching position was in Beaverlodge, Alberta, where she soon met a handsome young RCMP Constable on his first posting. After their wedding in 1985, Arlene was married to Tom Christie for thirty-five loving and joy-filled years. 

Moving to Calgary, Alberta in 1988, Arlene pursued both her passion for education and the Roman Catholic faith by becoming a teacher with the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). Her schools included Bishop Kidd, St. Vincent De Paul, St. Bonaventure, and Bishop Carroll High School (BCHS). She also spent a year as an educational consultant for the CCSD “Gifted and Talented Program”. Arlene taught with the CCSD until her retirement from the English Department at BCHS in 2017, concluding a distinguished teaching career of thirty-five years. For Arlene, teaching was much more than a job - it was her purpose. Arlene’s colleagues recognized her as a gifted educator who was wholeheartedly dedicated to the success of her students. She was known to stay for hours after school offering extra English tutorials for struggling students, only to go home and mark their assignments late into the night. Arlene took on the responsibility of mentoring new teachers, as well as organizing numerous holiday events to create a community feel amongst her colleagues. Arlene proudly advocated for the needs of her students and colleagues as a representative of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

On top of a busy teaching career, Arlene’s family was her utmost priority. She was a devoted wife who supported her husband in his work protecting the community. As a mother she was extremely proud of her three sons. In her final days she remarked how grateful she was to see them grow up to become successful young men with burgeoning careers. Arlene enjoyed having her mother over for dinner and visits whenever she could. Her extended family was always close to her heart.

One of Arlene’s favourite hobbies was letter writing, in which she used her beautiful penmanship to keep in touch with people across Canada and abroad. Be it through a holiday card, a newspaper article she found interesting, or simply a letter to say hello, Arlene put incredible effort into maintaining lifelong relationships. These relationships were dearly important to her, and she was the kind of person who would drop everything and come running should someone need help. Arlene loved literature and closely followed the short list for several literary prizes. She enjoyed the essence of a good narrative and utilized reading to better understand the human experience. Her beautiful backyard garden was a sanctuary from the chaos and uncertainty of life. It highlighted her gentle, nurturing soul. Arlene made her home a place of warmth and comfort for her family and friends. All were welcome for a visit, and all were well fed with her incredible cooking and baking. The laughter and memories made around her table will be cherished forever.

Besides her loving husband Tom Christie of Calgary, AB, Arlene is survived by her sons, Andrew Christie of Calgary, AB, Michael Christie of Thunder Bay, ON, and Robert Christie of Calgary, AB. She is also survived by her mother Dolores Kozar of Calgary, AB. Arlene was predeceased by her father Dr. Frank Kozar and her brother Roy Kozar.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join Mrs. Christie’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222.  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial. 

Her family would like to thank Arlene’s family, friends, and colleagues for their outpouring of support both during her illness and since her passing. The family would also like to thank Arlene’s long time family physician, Dr. Kim Wilmot; her oncologist Dr. Nancy Nixon; the wonderful staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Holy Cross Hospital; and the compassionate team who cared for her in her final days at the South Health Campus Rapid Access Unit. In Arlene’s spirit, her family pledges to pay all of this kindness forward. 

Arlene chose not to be defined by her illness. She navigated its challenges with courage, grace, and a powerful determination to make the most out of life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Donations to the team registered for the Tom Baker Cancer Centre will ensure continued funding for clinical trials at this centre. This facility is instrumental to the care of thousands of cancer patients and their families across Southern Alberta. Each day, its researchers bring us closer to a cure.

In living memory of Arlene Christie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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