Our paths crossed at work. The few times I encountered Kristin at work, she was always very friendly and engaging. She had a lovely aura around her. My sincerest condolonces to the family on this great loss. I will always remember you Kristin. Rest well.

Eulogy

Kristin and I first crossed paths at night school in grade 12, almost 35 years ago. I was very shy back then, so it’s unlikely we would have met had it not been for her friendly nature. She struck up a conversation about a local band in the ladies’ room one night and I just knew we’d be friends. We exchanged numbers and soon I introduced her to Nomeca and Sandy. Not surprisingly they also took to her immediately and we became inseparable.

Each one of us had our own special bond with Kristin. She had the ability to connect with all kinds of people and find common ground. Our circle became bigger and bigger, as Kristin easily charmed everyone in our orbit. Including special friends Natalie, and Nomeca’s husband Sam (who she lovingly called “Sammy”).

Anyone that knew her would remember her sense of humour and sharp wit. She was definitely the comedian of our group and was known to break the tension of a quiet moment with her trademark sarcasm.

Some of Kristin’s favourite memories were camping out at the Folk Festival for the first time, seeing bands at the Albert and just simple things like long talks over coffee in Osborne Village. We could always count on Kris to be game for anything and make it light and fun. I loved visiting her family cottage at Grand Marais, playing cards and hearing stories about her childhood.

Kristin was extremely creative and enjoyed her time in the Fine Arts program at the University of Manitoba. She had a great eye and appreciation for architecture and design. We would talk for hours about our future dream homes and how we would decorate.

One of the things I appreciated about her the most was how she cared for her friends. I don’t remember a hard time any of us had when she wasn’t right there championing us, fiercely protecting us, or just listening through our tears.

When her miracle baby was born, I saw no more dedicated or loving mother. Bronwyn was her whole world. I admired her ability to never lose her cool when parenting. She also had the capacity to be incredibly nurturing and at the same time not hovering, allowing her daughter to develop independence. From experience I know that’s not an easy thing to do. Especially as a young single parent.

There were many phone calls about our girls. She was always telling me about the latest funny thing Bronwyn said that cracked her up. Later, it was about her pride in her daughter’s work ethic and top grades at university. I know she was in awe of the confident young woman she’d become.

Kristin juggled her duties at home with her job at Canada Post, which included her tireless work with the union. This is an area in which she excelled. She was a force to be reckoned with at the bargaining table and never failed to join her colleagues on the picket line.

Through the years we all kind of moved in different directions, but when we’d reconnect, it would always feel like no time had passed at all. We could talk for hours on end. No question, we were family and loved each other unconditionally.

When Kris became quite ill, hospital visits unfortunately became the norm. She rarely complained and would always turn her attention to us and how we were doing, even when she was clearly in pain. Her favourite thing to do was talk about the old days and her memory was out of this world. She would truly light up when retelling stories.

We are so grateful to have shared that special time with her. Kris will be so missed, and we have been incredibly blessed to have such a beautiful person in our lives.

I also want to express our gratitude to Kristin’s amazing family for their constant care during her difficult health struggles. Even through terrible loss, you never failed to show up for her. She often spoke about how lucky she was to have your support and strength.

Kristin had a huge capacity for empathy and a lot of compassion for anyone facing homelessness and addiction. One thing I remember is how she hit it off with my aunt’s late partner Charlie. He worked with Indigenous youth struggling with substance abuse. Kristin loved it when he talked about how he used cultural teachings as part of their treatment.

He said to her once “I think you’re a Native at heart”. A proud Cree himself, that was quite a statement, and she took it as a huge compliment.

To honour that connection, I think it’s fitting to end with this passage:

“The Spirit does not die. It travels westward across the prairie grass, over the river, and into the mountains. It ascends the mountains to the high clouds where a bright light guides it to the place where loved ones wait to embrace it. The Cycle of Life is complete when the spirit returns to its place of origin.”

mîkwêc All My Relations.

Love you forever,

Carly

My deepest condolences go out to Kristin’s family and all best friends out there that Kristin has touched over the years. Her unique way of accepting people, was encouraging and inspiring. Kristin gave of herself in a way very few can and was a true friend for it. . Her positive attitude and loving nature will be missed . Rest in peace Kristin . See you on the other side . I know you will be waiting with a big hug. Thank you for reminding me that I matter in this world when I felt like I didn’t .

Kristin has been a cherished life long friend of mine for over 35 years.

We shared many interests…

music, funny pet videos, a good card game, but most of all we shared a love for family and friends…

Kristin often expressed how much her daughter & family meant to her.

Spending family time together like Sunday dinners were a highlight.

Kristin often talked about her mom’s amazing home cooked meals,

her dad’s great sense of humour,

and the many laughs and special moments around the table.

Family meant the world to Kristin.

All of this love and support, gave her the strength she needed during challenging times and extended hospital stays.

Together we enjoyed long talks as we reminisced about life and its many twists and turns. These times were precious to me. There’s many things I will miss about Kristin…

her quick wit,

the spark in her brown eyes

and her big heart.

My most sincere condolences go out to Bronwyn, Ollie, Jim and family . Kristin will always be cherished and remembered.

Kristin is someone who through the age of technology we live in became my friend. She was a kindred spirit with a wicked sense of humour and a fierce passion for advocacy for those who needed a hand. She attended some of the dining out events I planned for those needing gluten free and became a part of my Facebook cast of characters. Through Facebook Kristin fell in love with my stepmom's dog Lucci who she felt was her spirit animal. She met Luce in person in 2021 and it was a time well spent. We had some really good and memorable conversations. Information she provided me through her work experience, I have shared to others on her behalf. She has helped many people through her kindness and generosity. She was sharing some of her health challenges with me over the years, when she could not sleep at night. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Kristin. I will miss her.

I never got a chance to work with Kristen, but still connect with her soul through her memories listed on this page. My heart goes out to family, friends and office colleagues who lost a beautiful connection. Rest in peace, Kristin❤️

Kristin was so personable, kind, helpful, and thoughtful when I would interact with her at the Winnipeg Pensions Call Centre. She had a great personality and the warmest heart. I offer my sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

Sending prayers for comfort and healing during this difficult time. My sincere condolences Ollie, Jim, Bronwyn, and your family and friends. .May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Kristin❤️

Every 12 year old girl needed a best friend like Kristin. She was fun, funny, creative and genuine. Kristin was an original in her clothes, music and style.

I've thought of her often over the years even though we hadn't kept in touch after high school. Hearing of her passing brought me back to those summer nights at Grand beach smoking in the dunes and dreaming big. The school trips where we shared so many laughs that our faces hurt. Chalmers baseball games. The sleepovers watching SNL and staying up all night talking. Driving around in her (equally awesome) grandma's Dodge Dart. Hanging out in Osborne village finding cafes and pretending we were cooler than we were. Well....she was always cool in my book. Seeing her photo brought me back to those sand dunes so many years ago. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and for being a best friend during those Elmwood years. 🩵

Kristin was my very first best friend in life. We spent countless hours running around Herbert Avenue, playing Intelevision, watching Garfield, and as we got older listening to Cyndi Lauper, staying up late for Friday Night Videos, shopping at Eaton's and lunch at Mr. Greenjeans restaurant...and of course our first concert together to see Hall & Oates. Unfortunately we grew apart when we both moved away from Herbert Ave. but I have so many great memories of our time together. Rest in peace Kristin.

My sincere condolances to Jim, Ollie and Bronwyn.

We are so sorry to here of Kristin's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences.

I am so sorry to learn of Kristin's passing. I have positive memories of her at Elmwood High School. I was so happy when Bronwyn began at Kent Road to continue the connection. My deepest sympathy to her devoted parents.

So sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. Dianne and Richard Rogers (Lowe).

Kristen was my very 1st school friend. We attended River Elm together and then went on to George the fifth. She was a kind and caring person. My deepest condolences to her Mom and Dad.

Shannon Cecotka (Smith)

Kristin was my mentor at the Service Canada call centre and she helped me take my first call on the phones as a newbie many years ago. I remember her steadfast guidance, step by step, like it was yesterday. She cared about helping people - this was particularly evident through her union work. That was her niche and passion! Such a fitting song in her tribute - wild horses would be no match for Kristin!!! Rest well, Kristin, and my sincerest condolences to your family - may you all find strength in the memory of her fighting, strong, and kind spirit.