06/04/2025
Doris June Christie (nee Peterson)
June 19, 1930 – May 29, 2025
Doris June Christie (nee Peterson) was born on June 19, 1930, at her family's home in Trochu, Alberta, the fifth of six children to Magdalena and Gustave Peterson. Her early years in Trochu were marked by a love of learning; Doris attended a local one-room school and was the first in her family to pursue high school studies in Three Hills. She completed teacher training at the University of Alberta - Calgary Branch. She returned to Kneehill County to begin her teaching career at just 17 years of age, requiring her father to sign her first teaching contract.
On February 18, 1950, Doris married James Panton Christie, and together they built a life grounded in love, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to family. They were blessed with eight children: Barbara, Sandra, Brenda, Wade, Deborah, Linda, Lorna, and Charles. Doris and Jim instilled in their children the importance of family, ensuring that their greatest legacy was the bond of siblings who are best friends and allies.
Doris was a master organizer and devoted homemaker. She worked tirelessly with Jim to build up their farming enterprise. Dad always said he couldn’t have done it without Doris by his side. She planted a large garden, spent weeks canning and was a skilled seamstress. Doris never failed to create moments of joy. Whether organizing summer evening softball games, packing picnics for after church, or serving as a chauffeur to eight children, she was always there when her family needed her.
Doris carried her love for education into her volunteer work within the community. She was active in the Home and School Association in Trochu, where her leadership saw her rise to area director, then provincial president, and eventually vice-president of the Home and School Association of Western Canada. Her commitment extended to provincial education as she served on the Curriculum Development Board, ensuring her contributions enriched the lives of countless students and educators. At home, she quietly assured each of her eight children attained secondary education.
Doris and Jim were avid travelers, beginning with weeks at the lake, tent camping adventures with the family and exploring the world together to connect with friends and family across the globe. They retired to the farm while spending their winters in their home in Trochu. Mom spent her final years at St. Mary’s Care Centre and the family will be forever grateful for the loving care she received there.
On May 29, 2025, Doris peacefully passed away at St. Mary’s Care Centre in Trochu, Alberta, held in the arms of her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim, mother and father, Magda and Gust Peterson, sister Margaret and brothers, Albert, Robert and Douglas, beloved son-in-law, Tom, and great-great granddaughter, Zaria. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Benedict), Sandra (Edward), Brenda, Wade (Margaret), Deborah (Philip), Linda (Larry), Lorna (William) and Charles (Rochelle), 50 grandchildren and partners, 44 great grandchildren and partners, two great-great grandchildren, and her brother, Ken.
Sweet dreams, Mom. You will be forever remembered, and we thank you for your legacy of love and family.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Trochu Community Centre, June 9, 2025 at 2 P.M. Arrangements are entrusted to Kneehill Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be directed to St. Mary’s Health Care Centre, St. Paul’s United Church, or Trochu Community Centre.
