Obituary of Christina Grace Hamilton

November 19, 1926 - Coronation, Alberta

April 21, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

The world first met Chris in 1926. She was the oldest of four siblings born to Eleanor and Alexander Bernhardt, in Coronation, Alberta. Her interest in and a love of people led her to study nursing at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. After graduation she worked at the hospital in Ponoka, the first psychiatric hospital in Alberta. She left to study teaching and supervision at McGill University and returned to teach nursing in Ponoka. Her nursing adventure continued in Peace River, where she met the love of her life, a funny, gentle farm boy, James Clare Hamilton. They were married in the summer of 1955. Raising a family of four girls redirected her focus from nursing.

Chris had so much energy to share and lent an empathetic ear to many. She was born to frugality. She passed on her bargain-hunting gene, engendering an activity which was fun for all. A highlight for Chris and her sister Vikki, was their trip to Expo ’67 in Montreal. Chris with her enthusiasm and hard work was instrumental in the success of the annual family vacation at Sylvan Lake, which became a tradition for more than 50 years. She set high standards for herself in everything that she did. Her needlework was beautiful beyond compare. Her involvement in many hobbies gathered friends. She enjoyed sewing, cooking (baked beans were a specialty), shopping, any kind of craft, gardening, the Calgary Folk Music Club, travelling, playing bridge, curling, golfing, yoga, and bowling. Her star in bowling rose when she was in her eighties!! She practiced yoga until she was 92.

Importantly, she enjoyed caring for her two grandsons, Bradley, and Andrew, when they were toddlers. Her imaginative play was a gift.

Sadly, she endured the frustrations and fears of immobility and progressive dementia over the past three years. She managed to maintain her signature sense of humour throughout. Sadly too, the last few days of her life were marred by the ravages of COVID-19. She leaves the world a happier, more positive place for having lived. She used her gift of life wisely.

She was predeceased by her parents, Eleanor and Alexander Bernhardt; her daughter Lisa Hamilton; her loving husband Clare Hamilton; her brother Dick Bernhardt; and her sister Kathie Klemmensen. She leaves her daughters, Laura McCormack (Mike), Kathy Hamilton, and Carol Dimond; grandsons, Bradley Dimond and Andrew McCormack; sister and best friend, Vikki Bernhardt; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Blaine Hamilton (Marilyn) and Beth Campbell; and several nieces and nephews to hold dear memories of her.

A Private Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to join Christina Hamilton’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 Alberta Diabetes Institute, 1-020 Li Ka Shing Centre 8602 - 112 Street University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1 Telephone: 780.492.6537, https://www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com/ or to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca.

In living memory of Christina Hamilton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to View Christina Hamilton's Memorial Card

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