1943–2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Crissy George, who died peacefully on December 16, 2024, at the age of 81 in Vancouver, after a long struggle with Lewy Body Syndrome.
Born in Kochi, India, Crissy moved to Canada as a young adult, where she lived most of her life in Ontario and Vancouver, BC. A lifelong learner, Crissy earned a Master’s in Education from the University of San Antonio, Texas, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from Carleton University in Ottawa, ON. These academic pursuits laid the foundation for her distinguished career in health services, where she made lasting contributions to the well-being of countless individuals.
Throughout her life, Crissy was deeply committed to volunteer work both locally and globally. Her dedication to social justice, community engagement, and helping others was at the core of her being. She cherished the friendships she built throughout her career and volunteer efforts, staying connected with people from all over the world. These relationships were a testament to her warmth, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Crissy’s passions were as varied as they were vibrant. She was an avid reader, a lover of travel, and a devoted fan of music—especially jazz, opera and classical compositions, which brought her immense joy. She was deeply involved in community action, and her tireless efforts to advocate for social justice earned her respect and recognition from local organizations. Her contributions were not only appreciated but celebrated by those whose lives she touched. Crissy was awarded The Queen Elizabeth ‘s Golden Jubilee Medal commemorating her Majesty’s 50th Anniversary in recognition of her outstanding and exemplary contribution to Canada.
Crissy was predeceased by her parents, Ida d George, and her beloved sister, Dulcy. She is survived by her siblings, Patsy, Hessy, Daisy, and Lancy, as well as ten nieces and nephews and their children whom she adored, all of whom will miss her dearly.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many friends and colleagues who supported Crissy during her illness. Special gratitude is extended to the staff at Windermere Care Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, and St. Paul’s Hospital for their compassionate care. A special acknowledgment is also given to Deepthi, Richard, Lois, John and Neha, Jibby and Asha, dear friends who stood by Crissy with love and unwavering support throughout.
The family invites those who wish to honour Crissy’s memory to make a donation to an organization of their choice, continuing her legacy of service and compassion.
28 Comments
Michael Crawford
As a long-time member of the BC Association of Social Workers, Crissy made many contributions that strengthen professional social work in BC. Through her work, she improved the lives of those she worked with.
Our sincerest condolences to all who loved Crissy. Her’s was a life well-lived.
With love,
Members, Staff, and Directors of the BC Association of Social Workers
Christine Campbell
My dear Patsy I am so sorry to hear this news. What a beautiful tribute to Crissy. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos.
Alison Brewin
Chrissy was a board member at West Coast LEAF when they hired me as Interim ED 25 years ago. I gravitated to her immediately as someone who shared my values around community engagement. She was also smart, thoughtful, deeply compassionate, and calm sitting at a table with a lot of lawyers confused by their myopic sense of the world. Chrissy was a kindred spirit and important mentor who helped me see new pathways. And her commitment to our mutual friend, Margaret, during Margaret’s last days – along with Patsy – will always be my vision of true friendship. She was a spectacular human!
Linda Siegel
Crissy and I bonded over our passion for social and economic justice.
I, and many others, will miss her.
Breen Ouellette
To Patsy and those family members I have never met: my heart is heavy with the passing of Crissy. She was a valued supporter of my political aspirations in Vancouver, and it was always a deep pleasure to run into her and catch up while walking along the seawall. Antoine, Cammy, and I send our condolences and love from Saskatoon. Crissy’s exemplary life will not be forgotten.
Gilles Cloutier
Dearest Patsy,
May my deepest solidarity and condolences rwa h you on those sad Times…
Most sincerely,
Gilles
Gilles Cloutier
Dearest Patsy:
Please accept my deepest condolences and solidarity for the pas sing of your beloved sistre!
Most sincerely,
Gilles
Seena Jacob
I remember hearing about Crissy Aunty from college days with Betsy. I finally met her several years ago in Vancouver and was just so inspired the way she remained active, involved, and enthusiastic with life. I remember thinking I would love to be like her. Randall and I will miss her and wish peace during this time for you and your family. Love, Seena
Freddie Milowsky
It is my honour to have been Crissy’s friend. Her contributions to her field of work, to Canada, and to the world, are so many. Patsy- thank you for this beautiful and fitting tribute to your dear sister.
Manuel Dilip Nerikat
Dear Patsy Aunty , our sincere condolences to you and your family members of the passing away of your sister Crissy. May her soul rest in eternal peace
Gisèle Yasmeen
Ishkandar, Marcel and I offer our deepest condolences to the George family. It was an honour to know Crissy for more than 25 years and get to know her values and passion for social justice. I have many fond memories of good times with her. One particular event stands out. It was a fundraiser for the Vancouver Women’s Health Collective that took place at CBC-Radio Canada and we laughed our heads off and danced all night! May she rest in peace. I’m glad that Patsy was holding her hand right until the end and that it was a peaceful passing. Gisèle Yasmeen
Darlene Bessey
Crissy was a force to be reckoned with. Her commitment to Social Justice and her love of the arts was evident even in the last few months of her life. She was able to attend the recent Vancouver Writers’ Festival and was very pleased about the results of the recent BC provincial election where a record number of women were elected. She will be missed by many. My loving condolences to her sister Patsy as well as her extended family and many friends and colleagues.
Richard Sullivan
I will miss my fierce, feisty, funny friend. Especially this past couple of years, I have come to appreciate the dignity with which Crissy adapted to her very changed circumstances, shifting from personal grief over the loss of her independence to a characteristic advocacy for the interests of other residents in her care facility.. I will miss her laugh, her sparkling eyes, her book recommendations, her arguments, her love of music and art, her exquisite travel arrangements, her affection and the simple joy of her greeting at our visits.
Valerie Blackwell
I first met Crissy when she arrived in Belize at the same time as Duncan and Lisa. Little did I realise what life long friends I met that day. Such a special person, great fun, so generous a friend and a positive force for good in the world.
Nora S
Please accept my deepest condolences to Patsy and all Crissy’s close family on her passing of lives. My heart goes to ypu on these sad days.
My warmest regards from Istanbul!
Mary kutty Mathew
I offer our deepest condolesence Her charmness has always set a positive tone to all our family gatherings
Leslie Hurtig
I will miss visiting with Crissy and hearing her vast and often humerous stories. She was a compassionate, interesting and thoughtful soul. I got to know her through her volunteer work for the Vancouver Writers Fest where she delighted in driving authors to and from the airport. She loved their stories, and they loved hers as well.
She will be missed. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute and photos.
Duncan & Lisa Smith
From our first meeting, we were immediately struck by Crissy”s presence; her sense of humour, her confidence and her determination. Our friendship was forged in Belize but blossomed in the years that followed. Crissy’s approval of our burgeoning relationship was significant and she blessed our marriage by reading a passage for us and dancing the night away.
Crissy taught our youngest daughter Tilly how to gamble and encouraged our eldest, Connie, to dance in the streets of Victoria. She read them stories and had the patience to ask them real questions and listen to their answers. Not many Scottish girls have an Auntie Crissy and their lives are better for their relationship. We will all miss Crissy.
We now wish her spirit the freedom that her ill-health stole. She brought joy each time we were together and we are forever grateful for the luck that our paths crossed in the way they did.
Ron Johnson
Dear Patsy, Johanna and I send you our warmest thoughts at this sad time, and wish you much strength. Your tribute to Crissy is inspiring and gives us a wonderful glimpse of your sister’s life. Though we only knew her in passing she was obviously a warm and wonderful person. We are so sorry for your loss.
Libby Davies
So saddened to hear that Crissy has died. What a lovely person, full of generosity and care for the world and people. She professionally and personally she contributed so much. My condolences to Crissy’s family, for your loss and sadness.
Ellen Woodsworth
What an amazing, strong role model for social justice in practise in Canada and in the world. I remember her warm smile, quick wit and deep concern for others. My heart goes out to her family especially Patsy who was there with her to the end.
Susan Scott Gabe
I was so fortunate to have known and met Crissy later in life as a strong advocate for one of her dear and closest friends. She was unwavering in her commitment to ensuring that her friend received the best health care possible. Crissy was a passionate advocate and Patsy’s tribute personifies the incredible work she did to support the Vancouver community. I am grateful to have known her resilience, kindness, and indomitable spirit. I will especially miss her laughter, quick wit, and generous smile. With love, Susan and Tim.
Valerie & Glenn Mower
We first met Crissy in Belize,, as a fellow social worker, she was arriving as our term as VSO social workers was coming to an end, but our friendship continued and we enjoyed spending time with her in India when we visited many years ago. Crissy was a life force of positivity and very generous and kind with her time, when a friend from Bristol went to Canada, Crissy was there to support and meet her though she had never met her before. She is greatly missed. RIP, love Valerie & Glenn
Philip
I just heard Crissy’s passing today. I knew her for many years and once went on a glorious Arctic voyage with her, Patsy, and another friend of theirs. I remember her laughter, her intellect, and her commitment to social justice and peace. What wonderful photos on this page .. with fondness and peace…. Philip
Alex Berland
Earlier comments here reflect my own experience with Crissy’s kindness and courageous advocacy. She was a kind friend to the nursing students of the Bangladesh Health Project, teaching in the IUBAT College of Nursing in 2008 and offering financial support and savvy advice in the years following. Thank you Crissy for believing in the power of education and for demonstrating the impact of individuals to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Kerry Hill and Teresa Racal-Hill
Crissy joined me over 40 years ago when we advertised in West Ender Newspaper personal section. She received 50 responses, I received one. Teresa has always told me that I received the right one. I went with Crissy to check out different homes of the men who responded to her ad. She would duck down in the passenger seat to observe the living conditions of the respondents. No one was lucky enough to get her approval. In the meantime she mentored me in courting the first Asian woman that I had dated. She did a marvelous job as our 41st anniversary is coming up. “Young Crissy, thank you so much. Condolences to Patsy and the family on your loss. Thank you for loving and caring for Crissy during these difficult years.
Hugh Millar
Crissy. Such a gentle yet strong woman who exerted both of those qualities in everything that she put her mind to. And an ability to inject her kind nature into every endeavour. Despite our lack of contact for over a decade, I am distraught at the news of the passing of a wonderful friend and colleague for 30 years prior. My deep condolences to Patsy and the family.
Hilary Hunt
I am so sad that my dear friend Crissy has died too young after heroically struggling with ill health over the last few years. We met in Belize, as VSO volunteers, became firm friends there and have remained so ever since. We have always had lots of fun together, extracting the maximum joy from every occasion, where we could. We holidayed together in Guatemala and Honduras, and Spain – just a few days before she died we had a video conversation reminiscing and chuckling about that holiday. We each remembered different things that happened and pieced the memories together, together. Crissy was such a generous host – in Vancouver to me, to my sister and husband, to my husband Alick and me. In Vancouver we got to know Patsy, and Deepthi, and Lois and Archie, and Nancy and Jim, whose sorrow at losing Crissy in our lives we share. Alick and I were entertained magnificently when we stayed with Crissy in Kerala too, in Kochi; we were delighted to meet her brother and sisters, to whom we send sincere condolences. Crissy stayed with me in England a few times and was always a very important part of our VSO reunions in England and The Netherlands. Stories abound and we laugh and cry at the same time for our friend, a star in our firmament. Hilary, England.