On January 13th 2022, we said goodbye to Christina Ann Wells Chaffee. Christina was born October 5, 1957, in Montreal, Quebec to Don and Pat wells, who raised her and her sister and brothers in Ottawa. Christina attended Algonquin College there, completing her nursing diploma in 1977 and was privileged to work on the first palliative care ward in Canada. Her career took her West, where she met her husband and the love of her life, Robert, in Edmonton Alberta. They married in 1981 and traveled North, living in Ft. Nelson British Columbia and Inuvik, Northwest Territories before settling back down in the town of Beaumont, Alberta. It was during those itinerant years that Christina developed her other great loves: her sons Matthew and Michael, and art. An avid painter and watercolourist, Christina was a long-standing member of the Beaumont Artist’s Association and volunteered her time to teach painting to the students at J.E Lapointe School. Christina was always the neighborhood Mom, and her house was always full of the people most in need of a listening ear.
In her later years, Christina was blessed with five grandsons, whom she loved furiously, sang songs with, and crafted jewelry for. Jewelry making was another expression of her artistic energy, and a productive craft with which she could engage family and friends.
In her final days, Christina again found herself in a palliative care ward, but with her role reversed. Even at that, she continued to make friends with the other patients around her, sharing her art and music. In her final moments she was cared for with a tenderness and compassion that honored her and brought full circle the values with which she’d lived her whole life. Christina is survived by her husband Robert; her sister, Juanita; her brothers Christopher and William; her sons Matthew and Michael; her Grandsons Judah, Caleb, Gabriel, Seth, and Thorin; her dear father William Donald Wells; and the countless other lives that she impacted with her love. She was predeceased by her mother, Patricia.
The family is deeply grateful to the Kaye Edmonton Family Practice Clinic for many years of great care. We are also very grateful for the patience, grace, and skill of the nurses, physicians, and others who cared for her so well in her final weeks.
Donations can be made in Christina’s memory to the Alberta Cancer Foundation
A celebration of Christina’s life will be held later in the year.
Christine, we miss you! I will always be grateful for your friendship! You were always there to offer a helping hand! Lots of Luv and Hugs going to Bob, Matt and his family, Michael and his family!
Have known Christina since the early seventies. And was there when she married the love of her life and a dear friend of mine, Bob Chaffee. Her love of life that she shared with all those that surrounded her will be greatly missed. I will forever remember the sound of her voice as she called me Jimmy with one of the biggest smiles this world has seen. All of our love to all of her family during the difficult days ahead.
Bob, my sincere condolences. The last time I saw Christina, she was at the 5-0 restaurant patio and was with people who put the biggest, brightest smile on her face. That’s what I will always remember. That smile.
Sorry for your loss Bob. Our deepest condolences to you and family. Our thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Bob and family. I always treasured the jewelry she made me when I retired – even more so now. She is finally painfree.
I knew Cindy in high school and we were close friends. Unfortunately we lost touch but I always remember her warmth and compassion.
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember and celebrate Christina’s life.
We were saddened to hear of Christina’s passing but take comfort in the loving family, friends and colleagues who were privileged to know her. Although distance and the directions life has taken us all have contributed to our losing touch with the Wells family, we welcome this sad occasion to reconnect. It is often said that cousins are your first playmates and that’s what Bob remembers and having a 2 week stay in Ottawa with Aunt Pat, Uncle Don and his cousins. We feel very grateful and honoured to have inherited 3 paintings of Cindy’s. They are a view of the Ottawa River from Mary’s and now our home in Deep River. Mary
Cherished them and they still hang on the wall today. Bob always points out to new guests in our home that these were painted by his cousin.
I had the pleasure of meeting Christina, and I know that your family will miss her deeply. You are in my prayers.
We used to play some pretty good music together….she will be missed.
She lit up the room. Hugs and prayers to the whole family
Bob and family, May your memories of a fine life comfort you. A remarkable person…
Bob, I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Words are never enough, but know that we truly care.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Bob. It sounds like you have many wonderful memories to treasure. May you find comfort in knowing God will treasure her memory as well.
What a beautiful tribute to her life!
I did not know Christina well, but I do know that with that life of kindness and caring … she was well known by our Creator! Matthew 10:29-31 seems appropriate.
My caring thoughts are with you, Bob … and your family.
Bob and family…Christina was a bright light, and she will shine on in all the people she loved so fiercely. I feel blessed to have known her. Sending much love.
Sending my sincere condolences. Christina was a kind soul with a huge heart, and I’ll treasure the jewellery pieces that she created that I have. I’m so sorry, Bob and family.
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful light that will now shine brightly down apon you all.
On behalf of the Sir Winston Churchill Society I offer condolences to the family of Christina. As a strong supporter of the Society over the years, her warmth, sparkling personality and joy enhanced many social occasions. She is sadly missed.
To be in Christina’s presence, even as a casual friend, was to feel loved. Her active compassion and goodness made the world a better place. With heartfelt sympathy to all the family.
Love the picture of Christina, so sorry for your tremendous loss. Please remember Gods Promise will soon come true, and we will see that wonderful smile again …
Rev 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
I knew Christina for over 40 years. Over that time I came to know that the people who knew her were better for having had her in our lives. Christina, you will be missed by many. Lynn and I want to send our condolences to Bob and family.