KRISTIN MICHELLE SCHALDEMOSE

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KRISTIN MICHELLE SCHALDEMOSE September 15, 1985 - November 11, 2006 On November 11, 2006, after a life long struggle with cystic fibrosis, the Lord chose to give Kristin a rest and take her home. Kristin was born on September 15, 1985 at Saskatoon, SK, and moved to Winnipeg with her family in October 1986. She attended Bairdmore School, Acadia Junior High, and Fort Richmond Collegiate, graduating from grade twelve in 2003. Kristin enrolled at the University of Manitoba, and although she was too ill to continue her studies this year, hoped to get back to them as soon as possible. Kristin had a special love of art, literature, and poetry. She had high potential to do well in those areas, however she was interested in exploring many more fields of learning, and she had not yet decided on a career path. Kristin was a very complex person. She had the spirit of a toughened survivor of many street battles with her disease, always ready to take a stand against the next assault knowing it would be coming, and yet living and loving life in spite of it. At the same time, Kristin was the essence of a gentle soul with a natural love of every living thing that was part of her life. She had a special place in her heart for dogs and horses, and dreamed of spending a lot of time with both if a lung transplant ever came through for her. Kristin had extreme empathy for the people she encountered through life and often worried more about her fellow patients that were sharing her journey through the hospital system than she did about her own situation. She loved her friends dearly and wished she could spend more time with them, but treasured the times they did have together. With her family, Kristin was a constant source of comfort; a confidante and fellow warrior to her brother in their battle against cystic fibrosis, a best friend to her mother, a co-conspirator with her father in many schemes, a healer to her parents after the death of her brother, and a very, very important part of a tight and loving family unit. The life lessons Kristin taught will continue to support her mother and father in the tough times that have arrived. Kristin was predeceased by her brother Robbie in 2003; her grandfather Baldur Schaldemose; her grandmother Helen Stephens; her cousin Cali Stockmanski; and her beloved first pet and close friend Baxter . She is survived by her parents, Leanne and Alan; her grandparents, Leo Stephens and Blanche Schaldemose; family friend and adopted grandmother Gladys Watkinson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and her current best buddy Bailey . Kristin, words cannot express the sense of loneliness that surrounds us without you here! We take comfort in knowing that you and Robbie are together and look forward to seeing you both again when the Lord wills it. In the meantime, take care sweetheart, and know our love for you will only continue to grow. A special thanks to all the dedicated staff at the Health Sciences Centre, both General and Children's Hospitals for the all the care and support over these many years. A very special thank you to Dr. Bshouty for his dedication, never-ending energy, and strength of character that gave Kristin so much comfort and reassurance over these recent trying times. A funeral service and celebration of Kristin's life will be held on Thursday, November 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Thomson In The Park Funeral Chapel, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. in Winnipeg, with interment to follow. A viewing will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial cards will be gratefully accepted to continue the battle against cystic fibrosis. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Manitoba Chapter, Box 21008, 33 - 3900 Grant Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3R 3R2. In memory of Kristin, please sign your organ donor cards.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2006