1915 – 2015
Christina Josepha Margarita Rambow (Smits) passed away on Friday, July 3rd, at St. Josephs Hospital in Courtenay, B.C. at the age of 100 – a centennial lady. Christina was born March 18th, 1915 in Holland. She was a survivor of the WWII occupation and, as an employee at her local city office worked for the resistance providing ration cards for people in hiding and was forced to flee herself. She received recognition from the Dutch government for her work with the underground. After the War, she moved to England where she trained as a nurse. Sponsored by the Canadian Government, Christina immigrated to Lacombe, Alberta in the early 1950’s. In 1955 she moved to Hodgeville, Saskatchewan as matron of the hospital where she met her future husband, farmer George Rambow, who had lost his wife Marguerite to cancer in 1953. Christina and George moved from Saskatchewan to Salmon Arm, BC in 1962 and then to Courtenay in 1985 to be close to their son Ralph and family.
Christina was a musician, carver, cross-stitcher, language enthusiast, and avid knitter who made beautiful hats and scarves for those in need. With her zest for life, and wonderful sense of humor, Christina created a wide circle of friends during her 30 years in the Comox Valley. She was well known and loved by many local businesses including the Comox Valley Credit Union and Brian MacLean Chev-Olds. Christina was a part of a vibrant community at her apartment where she lived for 25 years, forming many special friendships. She lamented being unable to ride with her good friend, Mayor Larry Jangula, in the July 1st parade to celebrate her 100th with Courtenay.
Christina is pre-deceased by her husband George, and survived by her youngest sister Corrie, her step-sons Billy (Jean) and Ralph (Sue), her five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews in the Netherlands, her devoted friends from the Doleman family, and her ‘adopted’ beloved Schafer family. Christina was a devout Catholic. She will be missed by her family, friends, and her faith community. A funeral will be held on Monday, July 13th, 11:00am at Christ the King Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. All are welcome.