Obituary

Died in the peace of Christ on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph, in her 97th year. A truly remarkable woman, Christine was a distinguished administrator, revered musicologist, and gifted bassoonist whose pioneering spirit left an indelible mark on music education across Canada. Born in York on May 24, 1929, Christine’s musical journey began early. She honed her bassoon skills at the Royal College of Music from 1948 to 1952, captivating audiences as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician throughout Great Britain. Her passion for music then led her across the Atlantic to Canada in 1962, where she settled in Winnipeg. It was there, in 1964, that she began teaching at the University of Manitoba and, in a groundbreaking move, established the Manitoba University Consort. This ensemble became one of the first successful early music groups in Canada, a testament to her vision in introducing 12th-16th century music to the Canadian landscape. Christine’s academic pursuits were equally impressive. She earned her PhD in musicology from the University of Michigan in 1970, further solidifying her expertise. Her career then saw her enrich numerous institutions: she was a valued faculty member at the University of Victoria (1971-1975), then became the esteemed Dean of the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University (1975-1979). Her leadership continued as Director of Music Administration for the Victoria Conservatory, Assistant Artistic Director of Music at the Banff Centre for the Arts (1980-1981), and Head of the Department of Music at the University of Calgary (1981-1985). She concluded her distinguished academic career at the University of Western Ontario, serving as Chairman of the Department of Applied Music (1985-1988) and Associate Dean (1987-1989). Upon her retirement in 1989, Christine initially found peace in Cape Breton, NS, where she continued to contribute her expertise by serving on various juries for the Canada Council. In 1991, she moved to Elora, embracing community life with characteristic enthusiasm. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Elora Festival Singers and Groves Memorial Hospital, and served diligently as a Church Warden at St. John’s Anglican Church. Her commitment to her community was further evidenced by her deep involvement with Heritage River, where she was one of its first cherished residents, residing there until her move to St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph in 2021. Christine carried fond memories of her formative years at the Oxenfoord Castle School in Scotland, particularly cherishing her time with the Dowager Countess of Eglinton. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, reflected in her long association with the Sisters of St. John the Divine in Toronto and her pride in receiving the Order of Niagara. A true animal lover, she found immense joy and companionship in her canine friends throughout her life, with Lucy being her last loyal companion. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Ronald and Grace, and her dear sister, Elizabeth. We extend a special thank you to the compassionate staff at both St. Joseph’s Health Centre and Heritage River for their exceptional care and unwavering support over the years. Friends were invited to join a funeral service celebrating Christine’s life on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00am at St. John’s Church in Elora. A time of fellowship and refreshments followed for guests. Interment took place at the Elora Municipal Cemetery after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Elora Choir Fund. Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Christine’s online memorial.