Christine was born in Vita, Manitoba, to Lena (Stefiuk) and Marko Koshelanyk on August 6, 1950, and grew up in Caliento. Her early education was at Strand School, Caliento. After graduating from Shevchenko Collegiate in Vita, she attended U of M, took a year off, working as a waitress, and then enrolled again at U of M graduating with a B.Ed. in 1974. Her first jobs were in Grand Rapids and Thompson MB. Teaching jobs were in short supply so off she went to BC. Christine taught in Boston Bar BC, and worked at the Vancouver Expo from October to May in 1986. After graduating with a Master’s degree in Library Science she took a job in Williams Lake, BC at the Ecole Marie Sharp School where she mostly worked with grade four students and as a librarian. She remained there until her retirement in 2010. In the spring of 2011 Christine moved back to Winnipeg. Two of Christine’s goals were learning to drive in the city, and getting into shape; so she bought a new car, took driving lessons and did boot camp. More plans were to visit the Ukraine and a museum in Ottawa, volunteer at a library, maybe sub teach and spend a couple of months at some place warm in winter. Christine enjoyed traveling to Mexico and took a trip to Vegas with family. She also took an extensive trip to Europe with friends, this was the highlight of her travels. She went on a special excursion across Canada with a friend without arms as the driver.
Christine started her cancer journey in late 2013, and through her battle with melanoma she never complained, but took each step with courage and determination, and continued to make plans for the future.
Christine will be sadly missed by brothers Jim (Lee) and Tom (Marg); sister Marianne (Roger); eight nieces and nephews; eighteen great nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. She joins her mother Lena (2010); brother Edward (2011); father Marko (2013) and an infant sibling. The family would like to thank the palliative care units at St. Boniface Hospital and Grace Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Grace Hospice or St. Boniface Palliative Care or the Children’s Wish Foundation.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk, MB. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com