VICTORIA HELEN CHRISTIANSEN (KRUT)

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VICTORIA HELEN CHRISTIANSEN (nee KRUT) June 21, 1925 - January 27, 2018 On January 27, after a brief, unexpected illness, we lost the heart of our family. Vicki Christiansen, our wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully with her family by her side. From birth to her passing, Vicki was incredibly important to many people. Beautiful, personable, positive, vital, funny and warm, she loved babies, bingo, blonde hair, bowling, car rides, casinos, food, geese and God. In 1976, she was predeceased by her beloved husband and love of her life, John Milton (Cupie) Christiansen, and in 1970, they lost their son Jimmy to cancer. She was also predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Rose; her brothers, John (Mariola), Michael (Anne), and Stanley (Kay); and her sister, Helen (Frank). Remaining to cherish Vicki's memory are her nine children, Milton, Billy (Helen), Caroline (Barry), Gary, Diane, Judith (Don), Anita, Sandra (Brent) and Kim; her 17 grandchildren, Kyle (Kevin), Jim (Cathy), Drew (Courtney), Jill (Brad), Kevin (Ashley), David (Liz), Chad (Heather), Victoria (Devin), Scott, Brittany (Andrew), Evan (Samantha), Michael, Brooke, Erica, Quinn, Alex and John; her 11 great-grandchildren; her lifelong and cherished friend, Doreen Obirek; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dog Clancy. Vicki had a happy life, full of laughter and love, but she also faced her share of challenges. Her father, whom she adored (and who adored her), died when she was young. She later cared for her mother, who suffered from debilitating arthritis, two children with cancer, and Cupie who endured a long battle with heart disease. Vicki relied upon her tremendous faith to get her through the toughest times. She was positive and optimistic, believing that there was always hope. She was widowed early with a large, young, family to raise and she tirelessly and selflessly persevered, serving as both father and mother, always putting her children's needs first to ensure that they were healthy, well-loved and well-educated. Their success, happiness and accomplishments were her greatest source of pride. Vicki was an independent, loving and determined woman who had many talents, skills and interests. She was quick, witty and loved to tease; she always made us laugh, right up until the end. She had a wonderful ability to make anyone feel at ease, welcome and loved, and was always the first to offer help to friends and family. She was a beautiful woman who took pride in her appearance, always making sure that she was well-dressed and that her hair and nails were done. She was an exceptional cook. She was often found in her kitchen making her delicious homemade meals and baking, especially Polish specialties, or visiting with her daughters over coffee. Her home was a gathering place for many card games and family dinners, and especially our wonderful holiday celebrations. We were fortunate to have enjoyed one last Christmas Eve with her this past December. Vicki also loved trips to the States, and in her later years, car rides with Anita and Kim, watching the geese, and sitting in the sun on her front deck with Clancy. Vicki was proud and touched to have been recognized by some famous individuals in her lifetime. U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy called her in the early 1980s to ask her to speak at a Seattle conference on healthcare, and Wayne Gretzky selected her as a "Great One" in his 1998 contest, recognizing her ability to transcend hardships and lead a "great" life. She was tickled that Wayne was so interested in her Polish recipes. She was also excited to see the Pope in 1984, and bought us all souvenirs from his visit at Bird's Hill Park. We are grateful for the time that we had with this positive, loving, funny, beautiful woman, and take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and is reunited with Cupie, Jimmy, and her other loved ones, whom she missed dearly and spoke of often. She will be deeply missed but will be forever in our hearts. Memorial Mass will be held to celebrate Vicki on Friday, February 2 at 12:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame Catholic Church, 269 Jemima St., Selkirk, with interment at Notre Dame Catholic Cemetery and reception at the church basement to follow. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jim Dear, Evan Wilgosh, Scott Christiansen, Quinn Christiansen, Alex Williams and John Ferris. The family wishes to thank Dr. Zoppa, Dr. Alarakhia and the nursing staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre for their kindness and support in caring for Vicki. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Vicki's honour to the Palliative Care Fund, Selkirk & District Community Foundation, 200 Eaton Ave., Selkirk, MB R1A 0W6, (204) 785-9755. Condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2018