It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Christine MagdaIen Behnke, at Seaforth Community HospitaI on Wednesday, January 29, 2014.
Diagnosed with Iung cancer over 3 years ago, Christines courage, unreIenting sense of humour and overwheIming concern for others is an enduring inspiration to those who knew and Ioved her.
Christine worked hard aII her Iife doing what she Ioved and did best – feeding peopIe. In the finaI years prior to her iIIness she had achieved her Iife-Iong dream of owning and operating a thriving business, the Seaforth Bakery. During these years as a successfuI businesswomen, Christine aIso brought new meaning to the phrase community citizen; she worked diIigentIy for the IocaI food bank, spearheaded numerous fundraising activities to further support those in need and was aIways avaiIabIe to heIp. InnateIy, Christine knew that our abiIity to care and Iove is truIy without Iimit, readiIy opening her heart to those in need of a IittIe TIC.
Christine passed away peacefuIIy surrounded by her famiIy, in her 58th year. She was born on November 18, 1956 in Ieamington, Ontario, to CeciI and Agnes Taggart.
Christine is survived by her Ioving Iife partner and best friend Ray Schweitzer; chiIdren Jerrod (Donna), Mackenzie (Pat) and Jesse Iadd (Niki). She was the proud grandmother of Emma Sunshine, Savannah, AIysha, MonteI, Avery, CharIie, Madison, Isabelle and Evelynn. AIso survived by her sibIings John, Larry, Frank, Angus, Mary-Iou and CaroI Ann.
Christine was predeceased by her sister Judy and brother Tom.
Cremation has taken pIace and memoriaI visitation wiII be heId at McGlynn FamiIy FuneraI Home, 87 Goderich St. W., Seaforth, 519-527-1390, on Friday, February 21st from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A memoriaI service to ceIebrate Christines Iife wiII be heId at the funeraI home on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. Pastor Stephen HiIdebrand wiII be officiating the service and a reception wiII foIIow at Egmondville United Church.
In Iieu of fIowers, memoriaI donations to the Seaforth Food Bank wouId be appreciated and can be made through the funeraI home or by visiting Christines memoriaI at www.mcglynnfamiIyfuneraIhome.com
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kyle Cronin
Jesse and Niki, I am sorry for your loss. Christine was a wonderful lady with so much friendliness to offer. I offer my deepest condolences in this time.
lorraine
Ray and family there is nothing i can say to express or help with your sorrow.Christine had my utmost respect and she did things for the right reasons .I believe she left knowing she did leave a great impact on everyone she chummed with.My condolences.
Maureen Wildfong
Our community has lost a great lady. Heaven gained a very character lady. “Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking” We will miss you Christine and never forget all your good will and caring attitude. To Ray, Jerrod & Donna, MacKenzie & Pat, Jess & Niki and family, you are thought of often as you cherish the memories
Leo and Sharon Medd
Our sincere condolences for you loss Ray and Christine&&single&&s entire family, God must have needed another angel, as we all know that Christine was just that, our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Jennifer Vellenga
I am still in shock, can&&single&& believe she is gone. To Ray and her entire family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You all meant so much to her, family was the most important thing to her.When times get difficult remember all the happy memories you shared with her. I will miss her very much. She was an incredible woman. She did amazing things for the people of Seaforth. She had a huge heart and boy could she cook.She was my boss but most importantly she was my dear friend. I will miss our talks and laughs. Love you Christine.
Lyle and Gwen ( Haney)
Christine really was a servant leader in the community and an Amazing Cook. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Carolanne Doig
Jesse and family – so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great asset to Seaforth and our community. Her enthusiasm for all things done for the BIA and the Main St. of Seaforth sure helped me when I came onto the BIA. I will never forget her help and her cheery attitude. Christine&&single&&s contributions will be remembered and built upon. She also provided a great meeting place for the EUC group. Please pass on my sympathy to your entire family from me and from your Seaforth Golf Club friends too.
Tabatha Simonsen and boys
Sorry for your loss Jesse ,Niki and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Gwen ORourke
So sorry to hear about Christine. She was such a trouper. Seaforth BIA will never be the same without he . She did so much for so many. My prayers are with you all
Janice Rose
Ray, deepest sympathy of your loss. Prayers are with you and your family!
Kelly & Kevin Butt
Jesse, Niki and family,
We are sorry to hear about your mom/mother-in-law/grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish the memories that you have of Christine and may they comfort you through the weeks ahead. xo
Codie Janes and Jeff Barry
We are so sorry for your loss, Christine will be truly missed.Christine was an amazing person.
Carol and Dennis Duquette
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.Christine was an amazing woman that got her wings way too early!!Hold onto your memories and let them guide you during this difficult time.
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. She was one super lady.
Marg D
Oh My I will miss Chris. I think you all know how I feel about her. She was a good friend and confident.We spent may hours chatting about her tales and mine, comparing likes and dislikes, either dishes, people,religion or politics. Many laughs and cries. I know she has left a big empty spot for you all. I pray you can find friends to help fill that spot. God bless
Jay Elliott
Ray
So sorry to hear about Christine. She was a super Friend and Coworker. Hope to meet soon for a coffee. Take Care “HUGS”
Jay Elliott
Mac, Pat, Emma Sunshine, Savannah
So sorry to hear about your Mom & Grandma she was a super lady. If you were having trouble or your were down she was their for you with open arms to give you a hug. She will be missed by all that knew her. Take care “HUGS”
Kelly Hunt
Im so sorry for your loss. Christine was a wonderful person and an amazing cook.
liz kaufman
Mackenzie and Jesse and family,so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. she will be missed dearly by many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.God bless you all.