Christine Mary Ewen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Christine Mary Ewen on September 15, 2024, surrounded by her family in Kelowna, BC. She was 77 years young and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Christine is survived by her husband Cameron, her three daughters: Christina (Robert Van Buskirk), Toni, and Tami. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Shayne (Adam Faber), Zappa (Carolina Baird), Jace, Saige, Mya Rose, Hudson, and Peyton; and her two great-grandchildren: Brooke and Jenna.

Christine was born on March 21, 1947, in Bournemouth, England, to Stan and Amy Bryant, joining her older brother, Donald. At four years old, Christine and her family moved to Canada and settled in Medicine Hat, where Stan worked as a high school teacher. Some years later, the family relocated to Nakusp, BC. It was at Nakusp High School that Christine met Stephen Baird.

Christine was incredibly intelligent and was awarded a full scholarship to UBC. However, she and Stephen married on January 28, 1965, and immediately started a family. They had three daughters: Christina Marie (February 7, 1965), Toni Michelle (May 1, 1967), and Tami Lyn (March 3, 1971). After a brief stay in Castlegar, the family moved to Youbou, on the shores of Cowichan Lake, where they joined the rest of the Baird family. During this time, Christine learned to grocery shop, cook, and can from her mother-in-law, May Baird, whom she fondly called "Mom." She loved being part of the Baird family and remained devoted to them even after she and Stephen divorced.

Christine began her career with the Royal Bank in Youbou in 1977. She loved the challenges it offered and took many courses to help her advance. Over the years, she held various roles in Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Langford, Victoria, and Duncan again before retiring in 2007 at the age of 60.

In August 1985, Christine met Cameron Stirling Ewen, and they happily married on August 24, 1991, joining the Ewen family. Together, Cameron and Christine nurtured her passion for lake life, owning recreational properties on Cowichan Lake and Sproat Lake. They also began traveling, starting with all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, and eventually embarking on RV journeys. Year after year, they drove with their fifth wheel or camper, spending winters in Mexico, Palm Springs, and Arizona. Christine enjoyed the sun, collecting shells, walking on the warm sand, and exploring the coast and desert with their network of friends. She loved hosting potlucks, discovering cool coffee shops, thrift shopping and exploring charming towns.

In 2010, Christine and Cameron found the cabin at 3750 Emerald Crescent in Lac La Hache, which Christina bought in July 2011. Christine and Cameron visited each year with their RV, extending their stays from long weekends to eventually longer visits. For five years, they searched for the perfect property and finally took the leap in 2016, buying their beautiful forever lake home on Forbes Road. Christine adored Lac La Hache. She embraced the community and made many friends through her book club, walking group, seed exchanges, neighbors, and exercise classes.

Christine spent her retirement years planning adventures, traveling to Hawaii and Europe, tending her garden, "borrowing" cuttings from other gardens, making wine, and sewing for her great-grandchildren. She was known as a fierce cribbage player, an enthusiastic participant in Mexican Train, and always ready for any game. She was an amazing mother and ensured that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew they were loved and that she was proud of them.

Christine's beautiful smile, loving demeanor, and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew her. She loved walking, hiking, happy hour, snacks, and, most of all, spending time with her family whenever she could. She is deeply loved and will be sadly missed by her family and friends as her spirit soars to the many beautiful beaches she cherished.

Christine’s service will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11am at the 108 Mile Heritage Site chapel; 4690 Telqua Drive, 100 Mile House.

Reception to follow at 3752 Emerald Cresent, Lac La Hache from 1pm – 3pm.