Christina Custer

In loving memory of Christina Rosalie Custer (nee McDermott)

August 30, 1937 – June 17, 2022

“Mahti-kitha” this is what I heard my Mom Christina say to me and others over the years; and I could hear her voice say “Mahti-kitha” several times as I was typing this.  She would say this to me when I was doing or saying something she didn’t agree with or making her uncomfortable and or out of her comfort zone.  She never liked to be the centre of attention, but we are joined together to celebrate her life.  She was a private person; she didn’t want anyone to get up in her business; even throughout her sickness when she was in pain she didn’t like telling anyone - not the doctors or nurses.

It’s difficult to believe that we are saying good bye to - a Sister, - Auntie, - Friend, - a Mom, - Kokum, - Chapan, and - Mother in Law.  Underlying all these relationships Christina Rosalie Custer was a kind, gentle and loving person with a little spiciness and a keen sense of humour.  By spiciness, we are referring to her sarcasm and wittiness.

Christina was fiercely independent, strong and determined.  An example of these traits was when she went back to school and completed her Grade 8 at age 50, she was so proud.  At the same time she also got her driver’s license.  She loved the freedom to be able to just take off traveling.  She would go to town, Prince Albert or wherever just to go visiting family/friends, play Bingo or pick blueberries.  

She was a woman of strong faith, with her Bible in her hand Christina passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 17, 2022.  For those who did not know, she had cancer.  She was informed of this in December 2021.   

Christina was born at the Sturgeon Weir River Aug. 30, 1937.  Sturgeon Weir is where she grew up with her Mom & Dad, Rod & Marie McDermott and six sisters Ethel, Margaret, Jean, Darlene, Helen & Hermaline; and two brothers David & George.  The family moved to Missy Island, then the old mill stream, and then in the late 60’s their final home was at the Fish Plant, which is now referred to as the Amisk Osakahikan Reserve.

Mom/Gran/Chapan shared many memories of the mischief she and her sisters and brothers would get into as kids.  Many stories we heard included her sister Margaret, her partner in crime.  In the spring time they would fill their packsack with tea, a kettle, and bannock and off they would go.  Sometimes they even had a gun in hand.  They might check traps, shoot chickens or harvest berries or medicine.  There was never a dull moment and always something to do. 

Stories about their school days, included how they planned to constantly disrupt the classroom to spite the teacher.  No matter how prepared the teacher was they always got the best of him/her.  One of the teachers was never the same and left the community because it was rumored the teacher had a nervous breakdown; likely due to Christina and Margaret’s tricks and antics. 

At the age of 14, she married George B. Custer.  They had 5 children of their own Frieda, late Rosalie, Bernie, Doreen & Harold; they also raised many grandchildren and great grandchildren; Josephine, Norman, Melody, Melissa, Kaylyn and Evelynn her great-great granddaughter.  From time to time, other grandkids would come to stay for a while and there was always enough room and food in the house for them all.   

Christina is described by those she raised as caring, loving, having a good sense of humour, always smiling, out spoken, and liked to tell it like it is.  She was a tough old bird, generous, always there for us, ready to give what she had.  Many have memories of going to the cabin at the river with Granny and Grandpa, other memories are Blueberry or raspberry jam and bannock; and eating wild food like moose, beaver, ducks or fish whatever Grandpa brought back at the end of the day.

Her favorite past times included playing Bingo, visiting family/friends and most of all picking berries.  When the blueberries were in season you could not find her anywhere but the berry patch.  There are some great blueberry picking spots that will now forever remain her secret. 

Her faith carried her through these last few months and years.  However, the battle with cancer in her body won.  She went home to be with her family.  Christina may be gone but she will always be with us in spirit no matter where we are.  In closing “She fought the good fight, she kept her faith, and finished the race.”

The wake and funeral service where held at the DenarePlex, Denare Beach, SK June 20 – 22, 2022, with interment at Denare Beach Cemetery. 

Christina is survived by her children Frieda (Zeke), Bernie (Bob), Doreen (Ray), Harold (Donna), Josephine (Billy), Norman (Bunny), Melody (Cory), Melissa (Kenny Jr.), Caylin (Nick), Evelyn; siblings Margaret Gardiner, Darlene (Winston) Watson, David McDermott; numerous grandchildren and chapanuk (great grandchildren and great great grandchildren), along with many nieces and nephews.
Christina is predeceased by her husband George B. Custer; daughter Rosalie Custer; granddaughter Joanne Custer; grandson Marvin Custer; daughter in law Marie Custer; parents Rod & Marie McDermott; brother George McDermott; sisters Ethel Morin, Jean Laliberty, Helen Bodnar, Hermaline Fagnan; brother in laws Edward Gardiner, Thomas Morin, Dave Bodnar.

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The family would like to extend our gratitude to everyone; your presence and support mean everything.  It showed how much Christina was loved.  Thank you for coming from far and wide and near and close to celebrate her life with us.  Thank you to those who reminded us to keep the faith through prayer and song; to those who brought food, cooked, clean and/or ran errands; others whose presence brought strength, courage and calm during this difficult time. Ki’nanaskomitinawow mina Munto Kasawithimikowow