Christa "Chris" Gertrud BUITENHUIS

It is with a sense of peace that we announce the passing of our mom, Chris.   Predeceased by her husband, Carl, in 1980, she is survived by her daughters, Susan (Mark) Addy and Wendy (Frank) Fast; grandchildren, Jessica (Mitch) Kester, Trevor Fast, Chris Addy, and Michael Addy; great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Carson Kester.

Chris was born in Sasbach, Germany in December of 1927 and moved with her family to Canada when she was 2 years old.  They settled in New Liskeard, Ontario where the family led a challenging life on the farm.  It was here that Chris developed her hard working and thrifty nature.

Chris graduated from nursing school in 1951 and her desire to see the Rocky Mountains led her out west.  Even when her nursing companion dropped out a the last minute, Chris pursued her adventure.

After several temporary positions in Alberta, Chris moved to Port Alberni where she remained for more than 65 years.  She met and married Carl in 1956 and quite nursing to raise their two daughters. 

Despite being widowed at a young age, Chris fulfilled her life with volunteering and her many craft projects.  She started as a Brownie leader and moved on to help with the Hospital Auxiliary and the Blood Donor Clinics.  Chris  spent many happy hours visiting and helping elderly friends and  knitting hundreds of teddy bears for abused children at the Children’s Hospital.  Chris also found great comfort and friendship at Cedar Grove Reform Church.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Michelle, John, and Rinnie for their care and friendship in Mom’s later years.  We would also like to thank the wonderful staff and volunteers at Ty Watson House for making Mom’s last days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

Due to Covid Restrictions, services will be held at a later date.