FREEMAN, Christine (Chris) Maxine (nee Sanderson)

It is with profound sadness the family announces Chris' sudden and unexpected passing on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the age of 74.

Chris leaves to mourn her beloved husband Barrie Wickware; siblings Mike (Christine), Steve (Peggy), Patty Struss (Kelly) and many nieces and nephews.  Chris also had a large extended family through all of many cherished friends.

Chris was born November 1, 1951 to Bill and Norrie Sanderson in Stouffville, Ontario.  She was the first born of 4 children and started developing her motherly ways at an early age. She played, mentored and protected her siblings throughout life.  When the family moved to Pinawa in 1964 she started making her first of many life-long friends. She was such an avid learner that she was off to the University of Winnipeg at the age of 16.  She obtained a double major in Psychology and Sociology.  As fate would have it, there were no available jobs with that vocation, and it landed her at the doors of Inland Trust.  She obtained her CMA, left Inland and began her career at  Canada Revenue Agency, where Chris was an Audit Team Leader and a union steward for PIPSC until her retirement at the end of 2023.

Chris was a member of the CFB Curling Club and over the years enjoyed many curling bonspiels inside and outside the city. Chris had a passion for the performing arts and had season tickets to all that were offered in Winnipeg. She volunteered at the Fringe Festival for over 30 years. She also loved music and dancing - any genre and step were in her repertoire. Watch out if you had a guitar, she knew the words to almost all played. There were still a few hours left in a day that could be filled with yoga, aquacises, etc...if there was a class offered, Chris signed up.

Chris loved cats and had 1 or 2 her whole life with a soft spot for Siamese. In her later years she adopted older cats who needed a home and she supported cat rescue shelters with regular donations.

She was notorious for sending cards to everyone she knew...whatever the occasion.  She loved to spoil her friends and family and for them to know they were special. 

Upon her retirement Chris and Barrie loved to travel and went on multiple trips with many more on their agenda.

Chris was a quirky and generous soul, which made her very special to all who knew her.  The family tree will be colorful forever remembering her many dyed hairdos. 

The family would like to thank all her supportive friends, with special mention to her best friends Cheryl Halvarson and Catherine Shearer, and members of the beauty and wellness community throughout the years. Chris was an amazing wife, sister and friend. We will always treasure her memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.