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It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our sweet angel, Christine (Christy) Fakner, at her group home in the caring arms of her support staff.
Beloved and cherished daughter of Mary and John Fakner (predeceased), precious granddaughter of Agneta Gogesch (predeceased), adored sister of Kathy Matthews (Gord), and Mary Jones (Don), loving aunt of Kevin Jones and Steven Jones (Danielle), and fondly remembered niece and cousin of her relatives in Germany.
Christy was our gift from God. Her spiritual, kind and gentle way was a blessing to behold. Loved immensely by us, and her friends, for her laughter and silliness, great big smile, and ever readiness to tease others, especially her much loved sisters, Mary and Kathy.
A determined adult woman, born with developmental delays and autism, Christy was lovingly protected and shielded throughout her life, as if she were a child. She showed her huge love for her family with abundant kisses and hugs, holding hands, cuddling or dancing in our arms. Christy and her family eagerly awaited for Sunday to come as we looked forward to the day at home. Your absence, honey leaves a huge hole within our hearts that can never be replaced.
Christy had few inhibitions. She greeted everyone with a gentle friendly voice, great big smile, and enjoyed being the centre of attention. Laughing, dancing, singing, clowning around, writing or painting and making crafts filled her days. Although her autism could cause anxieties, Christy was supported to enjoy a full life, filled with favourite outdoor activities (boating, fishing, swimming and going for walks), and being out in the community to attend different functions and gatherings (church, concerts, theatre and dances).
The suddenness, of her passing is heartbreaking to all by whom she was loved, but we know that God’s angels are only lent for a little while. We take comfort in knowing God called you Christy, to join mom and dad’s, and grandma’s outstretched arms. They’re holding you tightly now, rest peacefully honey, watch over us. Kisses until we can meet with you again.
A private service will be held on Wednesday January 20, 2021 at 2:30 pm. Those wishing to view the service may do so on the MacCoubrey Funeral Home website.
A special thank you to the many support staff at her Maplewood Christian Horizons group home, Community Living West Northumberland Workshop for their tireless and caring support throughout Christy’s life.
Thank you to Dr. Becker, Dr. Emery and the nursing staff at NHH Emergency department, who demonstrated compassionate care, the Fire Department, EMS, Dr. Kwok, and the numerous supporters and advocates who had positive impacts throughout Christy’s life.
Those wishing to honour Christy’s memory in lieu of flowers may make a donation in her name to Christian Horizons Maplewood House or Northumberland Hills Hospital.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Christian Horizons Waterloo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Christian Horizons Waterloo
Dear Kathy, Whenever we were together you spoke genuinely about Christy. I felt she was very special to you. I also believe you were her earth angel and her life was more complete because of you. I'll keep you and all your loved ones in my prayers. Adriana
Kathy, Mary and family. I was so sad to hear about Christy. I haven’t seen her in many years but I do remember her brilliant smile and she always gave the best hugs. It was always very apparent that the three of you loved each other very much. Cherish your memories. Thinking of you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Christian Horizons Waterloo
Mary, Kathy & Family.......heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beloved sister, Christine. Memories of seeing her enjoying the car rides along the waterfront with a friendly wave from the back seat. A beautiful caring family to a truly loved sister. Warm regards.
Dear Mary, Cathy & family I was so sad to hear of Christy’s passing. It was always such a pleasure to go to Ball St. for a visit & a haircut. Her beautiful smile and happy spirit will always be remembered. I’m sure she’s now a heavenly Angel dancing and laughing with Mom and Dad. Keep her memories close to your heart and she’ll always be near. Thinking of you all.
Dear Kathy and Gord, Mary and Don, Our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. I’m so sorry to have heard of Christine’s recent passing. She’ll be in our prayers and never forgotten.
So saddened to hear of Christy's sudden passing, may cherished memories help to ease your grief at this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to all of the family. We'd like to think that Amos was there to greet Christy and play a few of her favorite songs on his guitar. Rest in peace gentle soul.
Kathy and Gord, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers with our deepest sympathy during this very sad time
I had the pleasure of meeting her only a few times but she was a kind and sweet woman. Our little Theodore got lots of Chrissy kisses. Sending my condolences and wishing her family much peace during such a hard time. The Wamboldts (Ottawa)
Kathy , I know my life was richer having met you and Christine. The love and care of her was so wonderful. She was fortunate to have so many love her so much . You will miss her but I feel that she will be caring for you as she dances and sings with the angels Bless all of your family
Kathy, Mary and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Chrissy was a shining star at Maplewood and she will be missed by all of us. I feel truly privileged to have been blessed with her presence in my life. She taught me to be carefree and to dance through anything, along our walks in the afternoon, breaking out in dance on the sidewalk and laughing, not a worry in the world. She adored you both deeply (Kathy and Mary) and the team always appreciated your advocacy and genuineness in how you treasured her. Thinking of you.
Kathy, Mary and your families. I was very sorry to hear of your loss made extra difficult in these COVID-19 times. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Words have not been coming easily to me to express how sorry I am for your loss. Chrissy was just such a big part of so many lives. Her smiles, her jokes, her dancing, her singing, will all be missed so much. The three of you were the best of friends and the greatest of sisters, your love for each other will never be matched. Such joy :) Thank you for sharing her with us.
My sincere condolences to you and your family at this sad time. I am so sorry for your loss. Chrissy will be so dearly missed and our hearts will always hold a beautiful space for her and her lovely memory. my prayers are with you all. Love Shelly ( maplewood)
Sending my condolences to Mary and your family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. I know how much Christy meant to you and I am sending warm wishes. with much love Mary
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
I am so sorry for your loss. I never met Christine, but I'm guessing she and my sister's (Vicky Johnson) paths would've crossed over many years at Beyond the Blue Box and those wonderful dances. We lost Vicky a year ago and I know first hand, the loss you are feeling. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are lucky to have been a part of their lives. With deepest sympathies.
It was my honour to be a part of the Chtistian Horizon team that supported Christy. She could always bring a smile to your face. I know her house mates will greatly miss her. I know we will meet one day in heaven. God bless.
Mary, Don & family - we were saddened to read of Christy’s passing. Christy often went for her walks past our house and whenever she saw us always had a big smile and a ‘Hi’. She was always happy. She will be missed very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. Barb & George
My condolences to Kathy, Mary and all the family No words could ever do justice to the impact that Chrissy has left on all of our lives. I will miss her every day and will hold our memories close to my heart for the rest of my life.
Mary, Don, Steven & Kevin Thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. Marlene
Condolences to every heart her smile and friendly “hello” touched. I didn’t know Christine personally but on her walks around the block she sure made the sunshine brighter. Hello Angel!
Dearest Kathy, Gord, Mary, Don and Family. Oh what a privilege and blessing it has been to know your precious sister. I remember the first time I met Christine. It was at the family home on Ball Street. I was visiting my friends who lived next store and they introduced me after Christine was finished singing in the driveway. I didn’t know at that time that God would draw us together again years later at Christian Horizons. So many memories of her beautiful smile, her love of singing and dancing and her self determination in life. It was so very clear every moment of her life that you, her family, was so devoted to Christine and that you loved her deeply. I can only imagine the reunion of love with your parents that moment the arms of heaven opened wide and Christine entered in! May your memories be a blessing to each one if you and may you know the peace that passes all understanding during these coming days. With love and friendship. Christine
I am so sorry about my friend Sending my condolences to you guys
Kathy,Gord,Mary and Don my thoughts are with you at this very sad time
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts are with you and your family during this heartbreaking time.
Mary & Don, Kathy & Gord, Kevin, Steve & Danielle--we were so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Christy. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kathy and Gord, You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you all.
Christine loved the Blue Box dances and this is where I met and knew her! She was a shining light of happiness and always brought joy to those who danced, watched or sat near her. She is in my prayers. So incredibly sorry to hear of her passing and send love, sympathy and prayers to all of her family, Christian Horizon Friends and those who loved her.
Barb, Eric, Shirley, Ruth, Alan, Emma and Michael members of the Carousel committee so looked forward to the Sunday visits to the Carousel by Christine and her sisters. We are sure it was a high light to her day. We will miss her contagious smile and the joy that the Carousel music brought her.
Dear Kathy and Gord and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. As I walked home every afternoon, Christine would often greet me with a big smile and a kind hello. She will be missed by many. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Mary, Kathy and family -I am so very sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Christine was such a beautiful, gentle spirit and a true pleasure to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I hope that you will find comfort in the wonderful memories that you share.
Kathy and Gord, Mary and Don, Steve and I were so sorry to hear of Christy's sudden passing. We know how much she meant to your family. Although we never met Christy, through your words Kathy we felt we knew her - her funny quirks, the laughter, the dancing, the joy she shared in all the activities in which she took part, especially her Sunday dinners with the family. May she rest in peace in the arms of those who went before her.
To Christy’s family You have my sorrows ❤️
My condolences to the Fakner family. RIP Christine.
Sorry to hear about your sister Kathy & Gord, Donna told us about her love of life and the love she had for her family.
So sorry for your loss Kathy, Gord and family.
Kathy and Gord so sorry to hear of your sisters passing Kathy deepest sympathy to you and your family
Sending condolence to the family.I will miss Christy very much ,we had lots of good times together .Went for many drive and walks in the woods to see the birds.She was part of my family since my fist granddaughter Claudia was born ,she love it when Claudia would come to visit.She would sing for Claudia .They would seat at the table and color pictures together . Bonnie
I would deliver mail to their house and she would be sitting on the porch. Waiting with a big smile on her face. Always happy. She was such a nice lady with a big heart. We are sorry for your loss and sending prayers during this difficult time. Jim and Christelle Jubenville
To the family: I am so sorry for the loss of such a lovely soul. I know how much she will be missed! Christine was someone who had an impact on everyone she met - her joy, her laughter, and her connection with those around her is something that I will carry in my heart forever. As someone who helped support Christine throughout the years, my mind has been flooded with "Chrissy stories" since I heard of her passing. As sad as her passing is for us here, I take comfort in the idea of Christine dancing in heaven, (with ORIGINAL Frosty, of course), laughing and tickling her friends and family that went before her. Much love.
Christy’s life impacted mine greatly! She loved life and taught me so much! (especially how to laugh at myself). My heart is filled with love and compassion for Kathy, Mary and families!! I am so thankful to have witnessed for many years the love, advocacy and care you provided for Christy! Praying your hearts are encouraged during this time and ongoing. ❤️
Thinking of all of you during this time. Please accept our condolences we are deeply sorry for your loss, Christy will always live on in your memories.
I’m a total stranger to the family but as I read this I thought much too young. Upon reading I also thought it certainly sounds that she was much loved and therefore had a great life.
Kathy and Gord, we are so sorry to hear of Christine's sudden passing. We have many great memories of her with your mom and dad and family on Ball St
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I was so sorry to hear the passing of Christine. We spent many days together and she brought much joy and laughter to those around her. I will always think of her whenever I hear "Sweet Caroline" and our drives to the gym.
You will be greatly missed, for that I am sure. I know I never got the pleasure of working with you during my time at CH but boy do I remember you cutting the rug at all the dances and events. Those moments you were so happy and full of joy. I hope you have found peace ❤️
Mary, Don, Kevin, Steven, Kathy & Gord We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your special angel, Christy. You are all in our thoughts & prayers. Bill & Karen
My sincere condolences to all the family. May the happy memories of Christy, sustain you all in your loss at this sad time. Sincerely, Sue Lanctot
our heartfelt condolences going out to Chrissy ,s family at this difficult time.She always had a beautiful smile.Cherish her memories
Kathy and Gord we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear sister. While we did not know her we know she was the light of your life. Deepest sympathy Sincerely Tony and Carol Farren
Kathy and Gord we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear sister. While we did not know her we know she was the light of your life. Deepest sympathy Sincerely Tony and Carol Farren
Mary and Don, we were so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved sister Christine. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to you and all of your Family. Chrissy hold a special place in my heart and in my family's heart. Chrissy was beautiful beautiful person.