Christine Dilys Jean Szojka

Christine Dilys Jean Szojka December 25, 1930, Chesterfield, England - June 3, 2018, Edmonton, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Christine, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, at the age of 87. She is predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Frank G. Szojka in 2006, and her parents and siblings, Owen and Edward (Hetty). She will be lovingly remembered by her 5 children: Frank (Jolayne), Suzanne (Dwayne), Michael (Suzanne), Johanne (Lyndon), and Catharine (Warren) and her 10 grandchildren: Philip, Megan, Ian, Brandi, Ethan, Gabriella, Hannah, Avery, Maya and Teaghan. As well as her sister, Alethea (Geoff), her brother and sister-in-law, Lorand (Adrienne) and her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Christine grew up in the moors of Chesterfield, England, reading books of Canada and its rugged wilderness, which she dreamed of exploring. She eventually arrived in Montreal, Canada in 1955 at the age of 25. She was an adventurous and independent woman, exploring Canada and Alaska by motorcycle until she settled in Calgary, where she met her husband, Frank. They were married in 1960 and raised a family of 5 children. She was also a very kind, thoughtful, intelligent and loving person. She loved to read, had a great gift for writing, and was successful at being published for her poems and stories. Our mother was also a quiet and humble person, and her wish was that she did not want any gathering in her honour. Accordingly, we will not be holding a funeral, memorial or celebration of life service for her. Instead, since our mother loved reading, we respectfully request that you contribute, in her memory, to a charity that supports literacy, books, or the public library. All of us who remain are diminished by our mother's passing. We hope that you will celebrate her life in your own special way.