Udahl, Christina (nee Blyth)
It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Christina S. Udahl on October 2nd, 2016 at the age of eighty-five. Predeceased by her parents Walter and Jane Blyth; siblings, Walter Blyth, Margaret Fisher, and Mary Vorhadsky; beloved son Norman Udahl, and loving husband Robert Udahl.
Christina is survived by her loving daughter Sandra (Greg) Heyes: daughter in law, Kathy Udahl; the sparkle of her eyes, her grandchildren Master Corporal Sam Udahl, Ashley and Kennedy Heyes. Cherished to her numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Born on November 23rd, 1930 in Coleman, Alberta, Christina grew up a literal “coalminer’s daughter,” who happened to have been taught to play music by her father, who was a classical violinist. Her family, like others had good times and endured the hard, sometimes relying on the gift of musical ability to see them through. She attended Cameron Elementary and Coleman High School; but, in her last years of high school she was unable to graduate with her class due to her father falling ill, she instead had to get a job to support her family. With the completion of an equivalency exam, followed by a job working as a dental assistant, the new source of income helped the Blyth family immensely for the next four years.
Making a difficult decision to find her own life, she moved to Kimberly BC (where her sisters’ families resided). She then found work as a telephone operator, a job that would allow for the chance meeting of her future husband Robert that spanned sixty-one and a half years. Robert’s career being in the RCMP moved them to many communities in British Columbia, with the addition of their children in tow. Robert and Christina’s shared feelings towards the island led them to eventually settle down, and retire, in Ladysmith.
Christina had a natural gift when it came to making acquaintances or friends, due to the amount of places traveled. But one special friendship was with Helen Wasnock of Blairmore, Alberta. Their friendship spanned eighty-four years. From being in nappies together, to becoming grandmothers together, what a gift!
Always playing her piano and organ, she through the years in the community was the organist at the Anglican, First United and Cedar United Churches. There she found a way to earn a little extra money but more than that, find friendship and fellowship in the congregation’s wonderful people.
Volunteer work for the hospital auxiliary and becoming president, for a time, was very rewarding work for her. Performing singing with the Over the hill gang made life joyful. Sports were also a large part of her life, watching hockey, being a curler (in each and every town lived in), and later in life developing a passion of watching Blue Jays baseball on T.V.
Christina’s children were very important to her, and she loved them each unconditionally. The grandchildren - Sam, Ashley, and Kennedy - were her greatest pride and joy. Her terminal illness would take her away from them, but she had confidence that when she left that they are going to find their way and be exceptional at it, “how could they not, they have great role models,” she would say.
Christina dealt with her illness with courage and peace knowing that she would once again be reunited with her husband Robert, and son Norman. Please join us in remembering her on October 22nd, 2016 a service to be held at the First United Church in Ladysmith 232 2nd Ave at 1:00 p.m. The family in lieu of flowers wish there to be a donation to your favorite charity.