May 17, 1991 - November 24, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Daughter, Sister, Auntie, and Friend, Kristen Joy Westerberg on November 24, 2021. Kristen was born May 17, 1991 to Craig & Terri Westerberg. She was adored by her three older brothers, Andrew, Murray (Stefanie), and Matthew
(Stephannie). Kristen was also dearly loved by her nephew Maxwell, and her four nieces: Felicity, Anna, Emma, and Cora.
As well, she holds a very special place in the hearts of her many aunties, uncles and cousins. Kristen's family meant the world to her, and she meant the world to us.
Kristen lived a very rich and exciting life over her 30 years. She loved to travel, and was able to visit several exciting destinations with her parents. These included Hawaii, Anne of Green Gables Heritage Site in P.E.I., Quebec City, Little House on the Prairie Heritage Site in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, Banff, London, Edinburgh, the Highlands of Scotland, Disneyland twice, and Niagara Falls. We have many happy memories of these, and other travel adventures.
Kristen loved to dance. She spent four years with Abbotsford Special Olympics in Rhythmic Gymnastics. Those were very happy days for her. Her strongest sport however was swimming, and she was a regular at the local pools with her swimming partner, and long-time friend Sharon Downing.
Kristen was a part of the Communitas Choices and Connections Day Program for the past five years. She formed deep friendships with her special friends there, and loved them all dearly. She also developed beautiful, lasting friendships with several respite caregivers. Her first and longest serving caregiver was Olive Kriese, who was like a member of the family. Olive and Kristen shared their lives with each other for almost 27 years! Another friend Sungha Kim came along and she and Kristen spent many happy hours working in the Wooden Dollhouse shop in Aldergrove for a few years. Daisy Morgan was a true friend to Kristen and even included her as a bridesmaid in her wedding party. Then along came Jackie Jantzen who introduced Kristen to Clay Cottage where they spent many creative hours together painting ceramics every chance they got! They made so many beautiful creations there. Jackie and the friends from Clay Cottage were very near and dear to Kristen's heart. She spoke of them all lovingly, and often!
Another beloved caregiver was Velma Reed who did knitting, baking, photography and nature walks with Krissy. There were two other caregivers, Susan Olivier and Natasha Knebelow, who got to know Kristen only recently, but in a short time had already found special places in her heart.
The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Abbotsford Regional Hospital for their kindness and compassion toward Kristen in her final days with Covid-19. A Memorial Service in Kristen's honour will be held at the Sevenoaks Alliance Church Chapel on Saturday, December 11, at 1 pm. We hope you will join us in saying Good-bye to a very precious soul, Kristen Joy Westerberg.