Tribute

Christine Helen Lamb, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Christine Morrison Hospice, Mission, age 79 yrs. She was the daughter of Harold and Jean (Robertson) Laughton, born in Edmonton, Alberta, August 1931. She was predeceased by her parents, her son Robert (1984), her husband George (1996), and her sisters Margaret (2007) and Jeanette (2011)

She is survived by her son Gordon (Vicki), grandson Wesley and granddaughter Julia; Robert’s children, grandson Christopher; grandson Bradley (Shannon) and her great grandchildren, Mary Jane and Alexander; sisters Norma (Chris) Main, brother-in-law Jim Hoskins, brother Don (Donna) Laughton; cousins, nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

She attended Queen Elizabeth High School after the family moved to Surrey, B.C. in 1943; followed by two years at Commercial College. George, Christine and their two sons moved to Bradner in 1966. Love for her family was always evident, entertaining loved ones at holiday and birthday celebrations. She was loving and generous with her children and grandchildren. While at times strict, their happiness and well-being was her paramount concern. She was an avid letter writer, keeping in touch with family and friends around the world. Genealogy was a particular interest and she researched and documented several branches of the family tree, especially the Laughton, Mallaby, Robertson, McInnes and Lamb families. Other hobbies included traveling, bridge, reading, creative writing and socializing.

Although she achieved a successful forty year career in the business world, she also made time for volunteering. She was involved with many of her sons activities during their juvenile years – school, sports, Cubs and Scouts. She is a life member of the Bradner Community Club; the MSA Museum Society; and the Abbotsford Genealogical Society; past member of Soroptimist; and volunteered with the Matsqui Centennial Society, Western Canada Summer Games, Operation Red Nose, and chair of the Abbotsford Coat of Arms design committee (1995). She was also a member of Abb. Probus, Abb. Genealogical Society, Abby Writers, and the committee that recently compiled and published “Alphabetically Abbotsford”. She was a Director with the Abbotsford Community Foundation for several years, holding positions of Vice-President, and Chair of the Scholarship & Bursary and Nomination committees.

She was the only woman elected to Matsqui Council during its 102 years of incorporation, serving for ten years as Councillor; also Chair of the Recreation Commission, Director of the Fraser Valley Regional District; GVRD; MSA Hospital & Menno Hospital Boards; Union of B.C. Municipalities; and President of the Lower Mainland Municipal Association. Although the lone female voice at the Council table, she became a skilled deliberator among her male colleagues. She was extremely honoured to be presented with the Order of Abbotsford and named Citizen of the Year in 2010.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at the Abbotsford Hospital and Cancer Centre, Home Caregivers, Dr. Do, Dr. Schellenberg, and Dr. Tan. Special thanks to her long time family physician, Dr. Barbara Fischer; and also her many friends for their kindness and care through the past few months. The courteous assistance of Dr. Potter and Dr. Quan and all the staff at the Christine Morrison Hospice, provided her with much needed comfort during her final days,

A memorial tea will be held, April 14, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., at the Bradner Community Hall, 5305 Bradner Road, Abbotsford. No flowers please. Donations to the Abbotsford Canuck Place or Abbotsford Hospice Society capital projects; or the Abbotsford Community Foundation Administration Fund will be appreciated.

Leaving light
into shadows
from the shadows
toward infinity.
C. H. Lamb