CHRISTINA (CHRIS) LA RIVIERE
Christina (Chris) La Riviere aged 96 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away quietly on Monday, June 12th, 2023. Chris was born on November 26th, 1926, on her family homestead outside of Biggar, SK to William Julius and Emma Julia Desborough, who emigrated from Cambridgeshire, England in 1913. Chris and her younger sister Helen were raised on the family three-quarter section where they grew wheat and oats, and raised horses, cattle, chickens, turkeys, and pigs. Chris loved animals and could often be found singing to the piglets. Chris attended the Alert school, in the winter her primary mode of transportation was a pair of skis. She later attended Thorton High in town. Chris worked for SaskTel in Biggar, North Battleford, and Maple Creek before settling in Moose Jaw.
Chris married Wilfred La Riviere and together they raised their children: Bob (Gail), Diane, Julia, Nancy (Mike), and Julius on South Hill. She was predeceased by her husband, Wilfred (1973); sister, Helen (2013); and two daughters, Diane (1956) and Julia (1957).
In 1983, after 37 years, Operator 17 retired and hung up her headset one final time. During her golden years Chris enjoyed garage saling. She drove a large LTD car that she, several friends, and her granddaughter would cruise around town in style, delivering eggs and finding treasures. Chris taught cake decorating for the South Hill Community Association, and lead both the Widows Fellowship and Weight-Wise clubs. She volunteered alongside her granddaughter with the Tele-Friend program for the former RQHR Health Region until she moved into a care home in 2017, where she later became president of the Moose Jaw Extendicare Resident’s Association.
Chris was a very proud grandmother to: Sarah (Derek), Joel (Laurel), and Emmett (Jocelyn); and great-grandchildren: Asher, Isabella, Ayden, and her namesake Christina. Chris cultivated many deep friendships throughout her life. She was known for her loyalty and devotion to her friends and family. She always saw the best in everyone, including her four-legged family members, even during the moments when no one else did. “Thank you, Grandma, for your unwavering belief in me, especially during the times when I didn’t believe in myself, your faith in me has always given me courage and has meant the world to me.”
Special thanks to the staff at Extendicare for their kindness and care. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Rosedale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ name may be made to a favourite charity of one’s choice.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.moosejawfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth -Intern Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com