Chris, aged eighty-three, passed away peacefully in Fernie, BC on June 22, 2024, with family by her side after a brief battle with cancer.

Chris was born in Natal, BC on June 10, 1941, to parents Leonard and Josephine (Latka) Maurer. As a teenager the family relocated to Vancouver, BC. Chris had a desire to travel in her early twenty’s and was in Dawson Creek, BC where she met her future husband. Chris and family moved to the Chilcotin in the early 1970’s and began a life of ranching. They welcomed son Curtis in 1970 and daughter Cara in 1974. In 1986, they moved to Alexis Creek, BC. Chris worked many different positions while living in Alexis Creek, from managing the small store/gas station, matron for the RCMP, a logging camp cook and lastly her favorite, the park facility operator at the Bull Canyon Provincial Park.

In 1996 Chris and partner Al, decided to move to the West Kootenays, settling in Riondel, where Chris worked for the local library and cable society as a volunteer. Chris loved to read, do leatherwork, garden, puzzles, and bake. Her cherry cheesecake and “Puntzi” best buns were a hit every time. In 2018, She relocated to the East Kootenays to be closer to Cara, living in Baynes Lake until 2022 when she moved to the Trinity Lodge in Fernie.

Chris was predeceased by her parents Len and Josie, son Curtis in 1998, partner Al Loeppky in 2007, sister Carole in 2008, and brother Jim (Lyn) in 2023. She is survived by her daughter Cara (Lance Gravelle) and nephews Jason, Cory, Coleton, Brett, and Wayne, and her niece Deneen.

At Chris’ request there will be no service. Family will hold a small Celebration of Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Fernie Heritage Library.

Cara wishes to send heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Elk Valley Hospital for the exceptional care they gave mom during her time there, as well as to the many wonderful friends that visited Chris in her final days.