Obituary of Christa Burkhardt

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Christa Maria Lina Burkhardt. She passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener on March 13, 2024 after a very brief illness.

She was in her 94th year and had recently spoken about looking forward to celebrating her next birthday. Christa had said that all she wanted for her 94th this June was to share a cake with her children and grandchildren and enjoy their company.

Christa was the loving wife of husband Guenther who passed away in 1997. She was the devoted mother to daughters Oona (husband John) and Iris (husband Larry) and the beloved Oma to grandchildren Ross, Claire, Trevor, Justin and Katelynn.

She is survived by her sister, younger by 12 years, Gudrun Opitz (husband Peter) and her nephew Peter. She often spoke fondly of her sister about their varied experiences growing up, and as adults. Christa and her husband Guenther emigrated to Canada in 1956 and her sister remained in Leipzig, Germany. Christa remained close to her sister over the years despite the distances, speaking with her often.

Family was very important to Christa. She was dedicated to her daughters when they were growing up and also as young adults. She extended that support wholeheartedly to her grandchildren, frequently driving from her then home in Markham to help in their care when younger and lend a helping hand as they became older. Her favourite occasions were those where her whole family was together.

She will be greatly missed. It is difficult to imagine moving forward without her. She would want us to remember her by continuing her family traditions and by being supportive, thoughtful, generous and kind, just as she always was with us.

A visitation will be held for Christa on Saturday March 16th from 2-3 pm at Dixon Garland Funeral Home in Markham. A service of Remembrance will be held directly afterwards beginning at 3 pm. The family will proceed to the interment at the cemetery after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations could be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Christa was a supporter for many years.

Online condolences can be made at www.dixongarland.com