CHRISTIANSON, Phillipa Violet

CHRISTIANSON, Phillipa Violet

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of PHILLIPA VIOLET CHRISTIANSON of Rimbey, Alberta on June 6, 2019 in her ninetieth year. Violet was born on March 3, 1930 in Strathmore, Alberta and was the second eldest of seven children born to Stanley and Annie Lugg. As a teenager, Violet worked in the telephone office in Strathmore, being an important part of communication to the area during WWII. Through a school project, Violet began a life-long pen pal relationship with Fay Buch of Australia. Throughout their 75 year friendship, both Fay and Violet travelled to each other’s countries for visits.
Violet met her husband, Bruce at a social gathering in the Strathmore/Three Hills area and they were married on June 9, 1951. During their early married life, they operated the elevators and general store in Chin, Alberta. They moved to the Rimbey area in 1962 where they raised their children.
Violet and Bruce were instrumental in the formation of the Benjamin Natural Gas Co-op where she worked in the office for a number of years. She also worked at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel and the Rimbey Co-op.
Violet was very active in her community which included volunteering with Family Community Support Services (FCSS) for many years. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion. She taught many young people about cooking, baking, canning, sewing and her most loved project—teaching piano, accordion and organ. She was also very active in the Rimbey United Church where she provided many contributions of ministry through her music and Sunday School teaching as well as participation on the Board and several committees.
Violet was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Franklin, in 2008, her infant son, David Franklin in 1956, two brothers and two sisters-in-law. She is survived by her son, Keith and daughters Karen (Carl) and Wendy; her special grandchildren Richard and Lisa as well as her precious great-granddaughter, Mikayla. She is also survived by two brothers: Jack and Albert (Rosemary), two sisters: Jean (Albert) and Joan (Glenn) as well as many nieces, nephews and special friends.
A Celebration of Life for Phillipa Violet Christianson was held on Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 at 3 pm in the Rimbey United Church with the Reverend Margaret Lange officiating. A reception followed at the Rimbey Drop-In Center located at 5110 53 Ave.
Cremation and arrangements entrusted to Wilson’s Funeral Chapel in Rimbey. Family burial to take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society or the Rimbey United Church.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Valleyview Manor, Rimbey Hospital Acute Care and Rimbey Care Centre for their wonderful care of Violet over the past few months.