Obituary of Christine Alice de Jong

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Christine Alice de Jong, of Kingsclear, NB. Christine peacefully departed in the early morning of January 1, surrounded by her family at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Gander, NL, on November 24, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Beatrice (Burlock) Allan and was raised in Saint John, NB. Christine had passion for travel and adventure. During one of her overseas trips to the Netherlands, she met the love of her life, Frans. After a few years together in the Netherlands, they returned to Canada and started a family in St. Stephen, NB, before settling in the Fredericton area.

Christine pursued her BN and BEd at UNB, and following graduation she worked as a nurse, and then a teacher. While balancing being a mother with a fulltime career, she went on to complete an MEd. Christine dedicated most of her working years to health administration, public health, and population health. Over her lengthy and successful career, Christine served as a Health Consultant for the Department of Health (DOH), the Director of Education for the NB Extra-Mural Program, the Regional Director of Public Health for the DOH, and a Regional Director for the NB Extra-Mural Program and Population Health. In her “retirement” she taught at UNB, where she continued to share her knowledge and passion for Community Health Nursing, and related topics, with her students.

With a huge heart and much wisdom, Christine generously supported the community. She gave freely of her public health expertise and was an active member as well as serving on the Board of the Public Health Association of NB and PEI. Among many other community roles she held, Christine served as a session member for several years at Keswick Ridge United Church and was a longstanding member of the UCW.  Despite all that she accomplished and gave, Christine always had time for her family and friends and cherished each moment spent in their company.

A loving wife, mother, Nanny, sister, aunt and friend, Christine is survived by her husband of 48 years, Frans – Franciscus de Jong; daughter Dr. Jennifer de Jong (Dr. Paul Thornton) and son Erik de Jong (Sabrina); precious, beloved grandchildren Anna and Eleanor Thornton, and Mattais and Talja de Jong; sister-in-law Deborah Allan; stepmother Dorothy Allan; several dear cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as family members and friends from Holland on Frans’ side. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother - William Allan, and Uncle Ronald and Aunt Dorothy.

The family wish to express their heartfelt thanks to Christine's medical care team for all their compassionate care throughout her illness

Chris would have wanted us to honour her memory by finding the joy in each day, even during the hard times.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Christine de Jong.

Visitation will take place from 1-4 pm on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at McAdam's Funeral Home in Fredericton, NB.  A celebration of life will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Keswick Ridge United Church with a reception to follow. For those unable to attend a livestream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/3995116. In the event of technical issues a recording will be made posted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greener Village, Keswick Ridge United Church, 12 Neighbours, or a charity of your choice.