Christman – It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Mrs. Emma Christman of Brooks, beloved wife of the late Phillip Christman, in Calgary, on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at the age of 86 years. Emma was born on September 27th, 1934 in Innisfail, Alberta to John and Caroline Lutz. She was raised on the family farm east of Innisfail. German was the language that her family spoke and when Emma first started school she was unable to speak English. She enjoyed spending time outside helping Grandpa with all the farm chores. The work was hard and Emma loved spending time outside. When she was 20, she went to Calgary to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Rudy. Emma worked at the Bakers Memorial Sanatorium for 2 years, then moved to Medicine Hat for 2 years, where she did odd jobs around the community. While in Medicine Hat, Emma met a lady that was moving to the coast so Emma took her car and went along. Her family wrote letters to each other often and they asked her to return home, so after almost 2 years on the coast, she returned to Medicine Hat. She was then asked if she would go to work for the Fishers in Hilda, Alberta. While there Emma met Phillip Christman and they were married that September, 1960. Earl was born in July, 1961, Valerie in March, 1963 and Danny joined the family in Apri,l 1965. They lived in Medicine Hat until 1966, when they purchased a farm north of Brooks. They purchased their home in Brooks in 1974 and Emma lived there until December, 2019, when she moved to Orchard Manor. She worked at the Horticultural Centre and was very involved with her church. Emma loved spending time in her garden, she loved to make the “German favourites” and was an avid quilter. Mom loved to visit with everyone and the cookie jar was always full when the grand kids came and she would spend endless hours on the phone. Mom was the historian of the family and never forgot anyone’s birthday, anniversary or any other important date or event. Emma was predeceased by her husband Phillip in 2003; parents, John and Caroline Lutz; siblings, Elsie, Alma, and Rynie, as well as numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. She is survived by her children, Earl (Joy) Christman, Danny (Dione) Christman and Valerie (Rob) Heiland; grandchildren, Tyler (Carla) and Calvin (Andrei) Heiland, Bonnie (Will), Andrew, Collin, Kyle and Cassidy Christman; great grandchildren, Walter, Jake, and Brady Heiland; siblings, Lydia, Maggie (Bob), Martha, Fred (Robin) and Rose (Dick), sister-in-law Vi, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In memory of Emma, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3. Burial at Brooks Cemetery. Rev. Janice Whitelock officiating.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be sharing a Private Family Service.
Streaming of Emma’s Funeral Service will be available on Saturday, March 13th
starting at 1:50 PM through Smith Funeral Home Ltd. Website.
