Christa Charlotte Martha Constabel

She is lovingly remembered by her husband Fred, children Christine (Bill Klopp), Peter (Lynn Yip), Caroline (Yves Dubé), Annette (Kevin Astridge), 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Christa was born in Bad Gandersheim, Germany. Her father was a PhD biology teacher and instilled in her a love of education and nature. She met Fred (‘Fiete’) while completing a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Goettingen. They married in 1958 and settled first in Heidelberg, where Christa worked as a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry and developed several patents. She resigned from her job in 1962 to move to Bonn with Fred and to focus on raising their four children. In 1969/70 the young family spent a sabbatical year in Saskatoon, then moved there permanently in 1972. Family life included many outdoor adventures: camping, hiking, canoe trips in northern Saskatchewan, skiing, windsurfing and tennis. She was active in many community organizations, including the Saskatoon Tennis Club where she was a fierce competitor. After Fred’s retirement, they moved to Courtenay, where Christa joined the Comox Valley Kayakers, 39ers hiking group, Union Bay Fitness Classes, and the Barely There Quilters. She was happiest when busy and many will remember her indefatigable knitting.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1688 McPhee Ave., Courtenay.

Memorial donations may be made in the name of Christa to Lutheran World Relief or the Red Cross.