Christina Criquelion (née Van der Waal)

Christina (Tineka, Tine) was born June 18, 1945 in Dordrecht, Netherlands to parents Jacob Van der Waal and Susanna (Sony) Van der Waal (née deVisser).  She is survived by her children, Paula (Troy) Rigby, Michael (Kevin Lindsay) Criquelion, and Patricia (L. John) Smith, and grandchildren Christa, Isaac, Austin, Taylor, Christopher, Sonny, and Gabriel, Kaeci and 14 great grandchildren.  Her siblings are Audrey, George, Jackie, Dorothy, Johnny, and Jerry.  Christina was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul Criquelion, and her grandson Aaron.  In honor of Christina’s wishes, there are no planned funeral services or gatherings.  A private celebration of life will be held later this summer.

Christina was a fiercely devoted wife and mother.  She made her home a secure, nurturing and loving place and her children are deeply grateful to her for the way she shaped their lives.  She was our North Star and no matter where our lives took us, she was there to bring us home to love and acceptance.  

Christina was one of those people who could do just about anything she set her mind to and her life’s work reflects that.  She was a hair dresser, the owner of a confectionary, the manager of a floral shop, and finally the owner and operator of her own floral shop.  

Christina was the recipient of hospice care and we would like to thank her hospice care team; we must single out her hospice worker, Marie, who became her true friend.  Marie’s care for Christina was an exceptional comfort and blessing. Our family cannot thank her enough for her compassion and love.  

In preparing for her passing, Christina wrote the following paragraphs that she wanted to share.  Unfortunately, her death came before her writing was finished and she asked that this writer finish her history:

Her words begin: “My joyous reunion to be with my husband, Paul, Jesus, and my God nears.  I have been on hospice and they tell me my time is near.  I have had a good life which started June, 18 in Dordrecht, Netherlands.  I came to the United States in 1950.  For a time, we lived with our Oma Don and Tante Anna and cousins Pearl, and Audrey in Ogden, Utah.  I had a good childhood and remember with happiness our time in Ogden when we lived at an Orchard.  My cousins and I would run through the orchards and play in the ditches.  My parents moved us to Salt Lake when my father got a better job.”  Writer’s words begin: I lived on the west side of Salt Lake City.  I attended West High School.  I was friends with Dori Criquelion, and through her I met my husband ( Dori and Rose’s brother Paul).  I was married to Paul at First United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City on September 29, 1962

I attended the United Methodist Church throughout my life and I am a devout Christian.  

I loved to be busy, and when I was not working, I loved to craft items, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and sewing things for family and friends. I was an avid gardener, and preserved the harvest by canning. I loved to cook and bake. Reading was also a passion. My greatest devotion was my family and my faith. I look to the days when we will all be reunited by the Lord.