On April 5, 2020, surrounded by the love of her family Christina Marie Knowles (Mama Bear) lost her short, brave battle with cancer.

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Left to cherish her memory is her husband Tim Dawson; children Brad Burton, Taylan Knowles, Jasmine Upshaw, Garrick Upshaw, Janaya James, Cheyene Wocker, Chantelle Demelo and Aylica Lietch; nephews Aaron and Cody Knowles, grandbabies Jesse, Arora, Melody, Hazel, Emberley, Landen and Xzavier; parents Joan and Russ; Soul sister Lisa; God mother; Diana Desautels-Clark; aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and cherished friends and colleagues too numerous to mention. She was predeceased by her twin sister Kathleen Diana.

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​Christina and her twin sister Kathy were born in Winnipeg to Joan and Russ Knowles, December 5th, 1966. Chris was a vibrant, beautiful woman with a friendly easygoing nature which attracted people to her. She would be the first one to offer to lend a hand no matter the challenge or obstacle.  Fiercely protective of family and friends, more than once she came to somebody’s aid with complete disregard to her own well-being.

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A brilliant smile and an unmistakable hearty laugh she was loved by everyone who got to know her. Her disarming personality drew you into a light conversation that could easily last all night and you had a new lifelong friend before it was over.

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Humble and kind she treated everyone the same, with the expectation that each of us should do the same and challenging us when we didn’t. She easily imparted these values on those who mentored with her, showing how just being kind made such a big difference.

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She had a passion for fishing and loved to spend as much time as she could next to the water in the sun and fresh air. She had a gift for catching fish when nobody else could and big ones nobody knew were there.

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She looked forward to winter, not being outside in the cold, but being inside with the warmth of her friends playing; cards, dice or rummoli after a round of “what’s for dinner”. Louise’s carrot cake, sharing a long island ice tea with Marci, Jr’s easy laughter, Wayne’s gift of singing and playing his guitar, laugher, stories, drinks and memories made these nights complete for her.

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Gifted with natural business skills, she advanced her career within Agriculture AgriFood Canada / FIPD where she had been employed for thirty years. Chris loved all of her colleagues and her manager Andrea Papageorgiou, whom she held in great esteem, “so lucky to have her as my boss”.

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Thanks to her lifelong friends who became family and were there when she needed an ear or shoulder; Marci Brouillette and Wayne Ducharme; Louise Simard and Jr Byard; Wendy and Lance Noble; Helen Krawchuck.

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Thanks to; Dr. M.Pelletier MD CCFP, Dr. Arbind Dubey, and Dr. Bruce Martin; along with the staff of HSC, Cancer Care and especially those of Palliative Care.

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Friends and relatives are encouraged to share their own memories, stories, and/or condolences for the family by using the comment section on this page.

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Chris’ celebration of life will be delayed for the time being. Flowers are gratefully declined however donations can be made to the United Way in Chris’ name or a charity of your choice with her in mind.

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Hold the door say please say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind

CHRISTINA MARIE KNOWLES

(Mama Bear)

December 05, 1966 – April 5, 2020