Obituary of Christa Elisabeth Hilda Volk-Quintin (nee Capune)

November 18, 1938 - Berlin, Germany

April 25, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

We are sad to announce the passing of Christa on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the age of 84 years, after a brief illness.

Christa was a much-beloved woman who had a remarkable life. At the age of 16, she emigrated from Germany to Coaldale, Alberta, with her family after the Second World War. Family lore has it that her father, Ferdinand, flipped a coin between Canada and Australia. Soon thereafter, Christa met her first husband, George Volk, at a barn dance, and they were married in Calgary the day after her seventeenth birthday. They raised five children in Calgary and were able to build their dream home. Christa achieved academic success, earning a PHD, and had a distinguished career, as a fine arts supervisor with the Calgary Separate School Board, followed by working as a university professor, and other endeavours.

Christa was actively involved in various volunteer positions, and sang in a choir, where she performed at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics opening ceremonies (she was in the green Olympic ring). Christa and George enjoyed traveling and took the family to Disneyland and other camping excursions, and also visited Europe many times. During one trip to Portugal in 1994, George tragically passed away. Christa subsequently opened the family home to foreign students with whom were formed lifetime friendships.

In 2002, Christa married Guy Quintin, and they enjoyed many happy years together. Their combined families included 15 grandchildren, and Christa was a cherished Oma to all. Their house was a hub of many family dinners, which Christa prepared with amazing ease, and enough food to feed an army. Christa and Guy spent many winters in Mexico and volunteered at a mission food kitchen. There, they encountered a young girl, Lupita, who could not attend school because her family could not afford the appropriate attire. Lupita's family never had to worry about that again.

We will profoundly miss our matriarch, mentor, role model, and friend, Christa, especially her positive attitude, generosity, boundless energy, art and history knowledge, epic family dinners, and incomparable baking.

Besides her loving husband, Guy, Christa is survived by her children, Monica Rauch (Bruce), Diane Hamilton (Shawn) George Volk (Terri Dillman), Stan Volk, and Lisa Volk. She is also survived by her sisters, Anne Capune (Dave Parma), and Sabine Capune (Mick Perrot). She was predeceased by George Volk, brother Fred Capune, sister Rose Cockrall, and nephews, Kevin Cseke, and Kenneth Volk; brother-in-law Charles Volk, and sister-in-law Irene Cseke. 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Christa’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 Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, 120 - 17 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2T2.

In living memory of Christa Volk-Quintin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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