Obituary of Christina Louise Carson
With great sadness the Carson family announces the passing of Christina Louise Carson of Red Deer (Grande Cache) on February 6, 2023 at the age 60.
On October 2, 1962 in London, Ontario, Christina (Christy) was welcomed into the world by her parents Dan and Peggy McNeil. She was later joined by her brothers Andrew and Phil while they lived in Mississauga. In 1973 the family moved to the new town of Grande Cache, Alberta and quickly established themselves as prominent members of the community.
In 1978 Christy met her husband and lifelong partner Gerry and they were married in 1979. Later that year the young couple had their first of two sons, Steven. In 1982 their second son Jason was born. For the next 20 plus years they remained in Grande Cache where they raised their family and continued to be active members of the community.
For anyone that ever knew Christy, her large presence was undeniable. Her tenacity was remarkable and to say she was spirited would be an understatement. A straight shooter that was outspoken was her hallmark. Being on the right side of the situation meant you had a formidable ally and on the wrong side a feared enemy. There wasn’t a doubt what side you were on. Ever a champion of the underdog, she would take up a fight against injustice with incredible ferocity and always stood up for the things she believed in.
Underneath it all Christy truly had a heart of gold and gave of herself freely. Her friends, family, and community at large were benefitted greatly by her presence. Volunteering for countless community events, working to help disadvantaged children afford sports and activities through her father’s memorial fund, and increasing literacy with ESL are only a few examples of how she attempted to make the world a better place.
Christy was skilled at many different forms of arts and crafts and had a particular love of indigenous art as well as all things purple. Over the years she collected Mukluks in every colour and they would be on her feet when she wasn’t wearing sandals. The sandals only got reluctantly relinquished once the snow was officially going to remain and were donned before it was fully melted in the spring.
Her creativity and artistic prowess were showcased in a generation of our small-town birthday wedding and event cakes. Nearly everyone in our community during that time would have sampled the ginormous 8’ by 4’ Canada Day cake, that she took great pride in preparing. Christy’s 2C trademark signature can be found on many knitted sweaters, crocheted blankets, and cross-stitched landscapes.
Although analytical by nature, Christy was also an inquisitive seeker and had a huge interest in Holistic therapies. She became a Master of Reiki and often practiced her calming and soothing skills on unsettled animals and children. She had a vast collection of essential oils, gemstones and Crystals and could confidently whip out the best combination of these to deal with any situation, or ailment.
In 2000 after the closure of the coal mine in Grande Cache, Christy and Gerry moved to Red Deer. With her children now fully grown she changed her focus, embarking on a career in health records at the QE II hospital and other pursuits as a health record technician and coder. Her co-workers became good friends and eventually her second family.
After Jason and Desiree got together in 2009 and she immediately accepted Makayla as her grand-daughter and with loving influence helped foster her development into a beautiful young woman. Rylan was born in December of 2015 and the event was an occasion of immeasurable joy. Without a doubt, she loved her grandchildren deeply.
In the final years of her life, her incredible resilience was tested as she fought some of her life’s greatest challenges. Following a ruptured brain aneurism and subsequent brain surgery she battled back to return to work and normalcy. A feat nothing short of extraordinary, especially given the many restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Sadly, soon after returning to work she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. She again fought hard to persevere, however in the end the disease prevailed and she succumbed.
Christy’s intelligence, sharp wit, unwavering devotion, mentorship and free spirit will be deeply missed by all whose life she touched and those who knew her best.
Christy will be lovingly remembered by her husband Gerald Carson; her sons Steven Carson (Wendy) and Jason Carson (Desiree); grand-children Makayla Tribe and Rylan Carson; brothers Andrew (Connie) McNeil of Grande Prairie and Phil (Teryl) McNeil of Grande Prairie; as well as her great Uncles JP Perkins (Susan) of Victoria and Dave Perkins (Dona) of Toronto. Christy was predeceased by her parents Peggy and Dan McNeil
A private family gathering to spread Christy’s ashes will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the lending cupboard in Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences to Christy’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Carson” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944