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Christina Knowles

Image by Nick Andréka

CHRISTINA MARIE KNOWLES

(Mama Bear)

December 05, 1966 – April 5, 2020

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

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.

​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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Joanne Sander

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Will always treasure all my memories of  Chris (and Kathy)   My heart is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of these beautiful girls.   Chris was such a caring soul who always did her best to help anyone who needed help.  She lovingly raised Cody and Aaron when Kathy passed away.  So many hearts are broken right now.  My love to Joan, Russ, the boys and everyone else who’s lives have been touched by Christina!  That is a lot of family, friends and coworkers. Mourn, stay strong and move on .... that is what Chris would want!  Not easy - so stay connected as best we can to help each other somehow do this!   You will be in my heart forever Chris! ❤️ Joanne 

Debbie Leaman

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My heart goes out to Chris’s family and close friends. 💔We were so lucky to have such a passionate and caring person on our AAFC team. I admired how she welcomed conversations and was always willing to lend a hand. Chris lit up the room every time she walked through the door. We will all miss Chris very much. 

Amanda Land

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I can still hear her voice and her laughter.  The first time we spoke after her diagnosis, she asked me how I was doing with the news, and wanted to make sure that her colleagues and I were ok - that's who Chris was, and her departure has left a big hole.  Lots of love to Tim, her family, and her work family, all of whom will miss her dearly.   

Maureen Garrett-Lebrun

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

RIP Christina, what a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman.  My condolences to her family and friends.  It has been many years since I saw Chris but always remember her, may she fly high with the angels. ❤

Ian Cohen

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I had the pleasure of mentoring Christina during one of her first JLP workshops and I would like to say she was a very upbeat and engaging personality.  It was clear how much she enjoyed her career and had an abundance of enthusiasm and a real zest for life.  It was also quite clear how important her family and friends were to her and how much she cherished those relationships.  She will be truly missed professionally and personally.  My thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family

Sabrina Ricard

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Christina through the Joint Learning Program and knew instantly that she could light up any room.  We quickly found out that we worked down the street from one another and would often stop for a chat to catch up.  She was a beautiful soul, kind hearted, high energy and brought out the best in people.  My sincere condolences to her family and friends.  May you rest in peace my friend.

Kenneth Squires

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I facilitated with Christina with the Joint Learning Program she was such an amazing individual with so many life experiences and lessons to learn from. I will miss seeing her at out facilitator retreats and workshops. There will be a void left without her upbeat and high energy personality. Sorry to the family for this huge loss.  

Michelle

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I’ve known Chris for many years as she was my sister Wendy’s, best friend. Whenever she invited us over Chris and Tim would always be there to say hello, play a game of pool, have a drink. It won’t be the same without you laughing at me being silly, and all the crazy conversations we’ve had over the years. Thank you for being such a supportive, loving, kind, and caring person to my sister Wendy. She loved you with all her heart, you will be missed, and thought of often. Fly with the angel's!  

Tom

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Chris many years ago during the early days of NISA. More recently I had the privilege of working along Chris in many meetings and projects. She will be missed  My condolences to Tim and the family 

Debbie

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I worked with Chris at Agriculture - she was a unique special soul who gave of herself unconditionally.  Heaven gained an angel but the world lost a beautiful soul.. To have known Chris and to have been a part of her life was an honour.  She has left a unforgettable footprint on everyone's life. She will be missed by all.  My heartfelt concolences go out to Tim, her family and many many friends.  

Adele Kelsch

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Hugs to Tim and Chris's family. My condolences to you all. Chris and I worked together back in 1999 and stayed friends from then on. She came and visited my husband when he had cancer and she came to the funeral to be with me.  You my friend had the most beautiful eyes, so full of life, love and happiness. We had some good times together and I will miss you.

Anita Gelowitz

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I worked with Chris at AG more than 15 years ago, but I still remember the awesome big hugs (she would rub your back while she did it), and infectious laugh that couldn't help but bring a smile to your face.  My heartfelt condolences to the family for this tragic loss, the world is missing one of the BEST angels, but I know she is watching over us! 

Robbi H

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

What a beautiful tribute for a fine, unforgettable woman. My heart goes out to all of those who couldn’t give Chris a “proper” goodbye because she was taken way too soon. Understand, she already knows how much you love and miss her. 

Aaron

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Aunty chris was always there when i needed her no matter the time of day or how busy she was, she was always kind kind and understanding. You could talk to her about anything and she would never judge you... the day i found out i had cancer she immediately came to my house to comfort me and was with me through all the shit that followed. When i found out she had cancer it broke me, why would someone that amazing get dealt such a shitty card. I told her i would be there for all of it, but i lost her before she even began chemo... its not fair, she diserved so much better. I will keep fighting for you aunty, i will miss you and i love you. - A.K

Diane Hazeu

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I am so heartbroken to hear of Chris' passing. She was one of my supervisors when I worked at Agriculture Canada for 2 years as a temp. She was a wonderful person. RIP Chris.😟

Sherry Kulbaba-Hoskin

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Chris was one of the most special people I have ever met. There will forever be a whole in my heart now. Fly with the Angel sweetheart. ❤

M. Pelletier

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I am devastated to read this. What a beautiful soul. Sending all my love to her family. ❤

James “Bo” Malott

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Oh Chrissy I will miss your beautiful smile that could light up a room and your overall friendly demeanour. RIP beautiful angel. Love you always, Bo❤️🙏🏽

Deanna Zaretski

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I've read all the tributes so far and can agree with everything said.  I always loved to be in Chris' presence.  She was gifted with great listening skills and gave solid advice, sometimes without you realizing she'd done so.  She was always reasonable and diplomatic.  It's true, she would always make time to talk, even if she were up to her eyeballs in work or other "stuff".  I already miss hearing her across the floor saying her favourite phrases like "that being said" or "let's have a conversation".  When I first found out Tim was dating Chris, I told him to hold on tight to her because she was a very special person to which he, of course, agreed. She was one of those people that were like the glue holding everything together. Chris will be sadly missed by me and all of us at AAFC. Sincere condolences to Tim, all of Chris' kids, and her family.

Cynthia Booden Firth

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

The world has experienced a great loss. I was so fortunate to have Chris as a friend. We met over 30 years ago at Agriculture, starting together on that journey.  Chrissy made me laugh, made me better, offered unconditional love and was always there for me to lean on when I needed her. She had a massive capacity to love, a heart that was bigger than anyone could imagine and a truth and passion for life, always living it to its fullest. She will be so missed. My deepest condolences to her family and her loves. May tomorrow be gentle on all your hearts. Cynthia Booden Firth

nancy

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Chris and I go back a long way and have worked closely through certain periods of our career. Her infectious laugh, mega watt smile, coupled with her direct approach are tributes I valued, but most importantly it was her deep compassion for others that resonates with me. No matter her own personal crisis, what she may be dealing with Chris always made time for others to listen and comfort them in their time of need.  The “well never ran dry” when it came to supporting and comforting anyone who touched her life. Chris you will be sadly missed but never forgotten, you have left footprints on so many hearts.  My heart goes out to you Tim and the family, know you are in our thoughts and prayers.   Nancy Grant  

Ted Wolosiak

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I first got to know Chris back in 2000 when I started it agriculture Canada. She provided Hands-On training at the time. But from the first time I met her, I knew that she could light up a room just by speaking one sentence. She was strong, articulate, witty, charming and also very comforting in those times where you doubted yourself and needed a boost of confidence. when I had a chance to work with her  in 2018, she showed so much patience, understanding and compassion when my mother was entering the last few weeks of her life. I will always remember her very fondly for this and all the other Good Times that we had in between. My condolences go out to her friends and family and husband Tim. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Veronica

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I had the pleasure of working with Chris and she was always so kind and always had a smile on her face. She will be missed a great deal at Agriculture. Rest in Peace Chris.

Dean

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

A letter to Chris.                             Hi Chris. This is Dean. When my niece Keisha passed you were there. You put your hands on my face and looked me straight in the eyes and said “ You will be OK“. When my brother Jubal was tragically taken away from us again you put your hand on my face looked me straight in the eyes and said “ You will be OK“. And when Wanda decided to go be with her family you just put your hands on my face and said “ You will be OK”. Although I will never feel your warm hands and your beautiful eyes looking me straight in the face to support me in my time of need, I just want you to know with all my love and with all of my care “ I will be OK“. Love you forever ❤

Lindsey Sparks

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Not long ago I was so fortunate to run into Chris at the office where I work. That big smile and hug instantly reminded me of why I liked her so much when I worked for Ag. She is an amazing soul, and I will never forget the last time we met.  Rest well Chris. You are truly an angel.

Jodi McFadden

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Christina during our JLP facilitator training and then again at a JLP workshop. I’m not surprised that you called her Mama Bear as that is exactly how she was for our group. She was so kind and full of life, she instantly connected people. During our evening dinners she talked so lovingly of her family and friends. I’m so sad to hear of her passing and am honoured to have briefly known her. Sending love to all those who will miss her so much. 

William Constan

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to Tim and all her family & friends and offer my prayers.  I worked with Chris at Agriculture Canada over the years directly and indirectly in many areas and capacities.  She will always be remembered for her exuberance and the vibrancy she brought to any situation at work and off-work settings.  Who can forget her infectious laugh! This was only matched by her wisdom and determination to help others, no matter the challenges.  Her example taught me that there is much light and happiness in the world if your try to look for it.  Aristotle once said: “happiness consists in achieving, through the course of a whole lifetime, all the goods that lead to the perfection of human nature and to the enrichment of human life.” Chris’s goods truly enrich us all. May her memory be eternal.

Corrinne Mitchell

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

She hooked me on our first encounter.  She had a spark that I knew she should share as a facilitator with JLP.  I am honored to have had her part of the program. Very blessed to have had our paths intersect even if it was only for a short while.   So sorry for your loss.  ❤

Tim hubick

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

To Chris’s family and friends my sincere condolences.   I too had the very honor of knowing Chris though the Joint learning program family.  First as one of my participants. She was a ray of sunshine with her bubbly personality and her contagious laugh. Not to forget about her amazing  personality. I was thrilled to hear she would join our facilitation team. I then had the opportunity to work with co facilitate with her on a few occasions.  With her energy and ability to reach people through her humor and personal stories.  I am feel blessed to be able to call her my friend. To my friend Chris until we meet again may you Rest In Peace.  You will be truly missed.

Don Racette

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Christina, at JLP orientation in Winnipeg, and she made one heck of an impression with me.  She was easy going and fun to be around I enjoyed my week long orientation with her.  She was always smiling and in a good mood which was infectious.   I did not get the opportunity to facilitate with her but I know it would have been excellent.  My sincerest condolences to Christina's Family, she will be greatly missed.

Dar and Ross Williamson

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

A lovely Lady inside and out, was the life of the party here in Pelican Bay..So very sorry for your loss..will be greatly missed.  Dar and Ross Williamson

Shawn Martens

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I saw Chris a few months ago at the Wellness Institute. She hadn't changed a bit since I last saw her back in the days of NISA where we both worked.  Her laugh, her smile, her earrings...I knew right away it was Chris. It was like all those years melted away and I hoped to see her again soon.  I was beyond shocked to find out today that she was gone. My heart goes out to her family. The world lost an angel. 

Amanda Radul (Kirby)

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I am in total shock today. I lost contact with Chris so many years ago, I don't even know how long it's been. I am so sorry we lost touch. There are so many memories, good and bad, but Chris was a force of strength that I admired. She helped me out through difficlt times and I am blessed to have known her.

Wayne

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I would like to send my condolences to Tim and family. I would also like to send my condolences to Joan and Russ. I found out that Chris was sick almost a year ago to the day and had the pleasure of talking to her about it. She said she was going to fight this shitty disease till the end and I know she did. I didn't realize that she was taking away from you guys so fast as I am just learning about her passing now. So sad to see another beautiful person taking way to early. See you on the other side my friend, Wayne.❤
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