Christine Kidwell (Masterson), died peacefully at her home in Federal Way WA, on November 8th, 2015. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elizabeth Kidwell, and is survived by her husband John Masterson; step children, Laura and Kari; brothers, Robert and Kenneth; sister, Lisa; aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.
A celebration of Christine's life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to The Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation or Habitat for Humanity.
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Chris was born in Columbus Ohio, in the spring of 1955, to Robert and Elizabeth (Higgins) Kidwell. The second of four children, she grew up in the neighborhood of Grandview Heights with her siblings Rob, Lisa, and Kenny, attending St. Christopher's Grade School, and Grandview High School. Many lasting friendships were made during those years, and Chris kept in touch with, traveled with, and mourned the loss of other close friends with her Columbus friends throughout the years.
After graduating from The Ohio State University, Chris followed a calling to serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, which brought her to Seattle where she made several more enduring friendships as she began what would become her career in social service.
Chris obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Washington and found her calling as a hospital Social Worker with Highline Community Hospital south of Seattle, and later, working with the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center in Tacoma, Washington.
In 1999, Chris met John through a blind date set up by John's aunt (a co-worker at Highline Hospital), and they rather quickly knew they were meant for each other. They were married on November 11, 2000 (at a wedding held in a 'shopping mall') and lived in Burien, Washington for a couple of years before moving south to Federal Way, just north of Tacoma. Chris was a constant source of support and love for her two step-daughters, Laura and Kari, and was overjoyed to have been a part of their recent weddings.
If you knew Chris, you knew she was a remarkable woman... She held all of her friends close to her heart and was always open to helping anyone she would meet, were it in the course of her work, or just a walk around the neighborhood. She was extremely intelligent with a witty, dry, wonderful sense of humor which she carried even into her final days.
She was an accomplished chef, who loved following cooking shows on TV, trying adventurous new dishes from her culinary magazines, and preparing the best soups. She was an avid reader and had many friends in her Book Group (aka: Food Group), and almost always had her 'hold list' at the library maxed out.
She loved to get outdoors and hike in the forests and hills of the Pacific Northwest (although like many of us, she was not a big fan of the rain!). She traveled when the opportunities arose... to Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and Canada, and loved even more the close to home getaways... Cannon Beach, Portland, Ocean Shores, the San Juan Islands, Victoria and Hawaii.
Christine left behind a quote which she wanted to appear here, by the Indian poet and Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore:
At every turning of my life
I came across good friends,
Friends who stood by me
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell my friends
I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears, for I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad, do think of me
For that's what I'll like.
When you live in the hearts of those you love
Remember then, you never die.
Two years now, and thoughts of Christine are with me often... they always will be...
For over 15 years, she was simply the best part of me.
This will probably be my last post here, but like Lisa and I'm sure many who read this, never my last thought of Chris.
Someone recently passed along something found on an Irish gravestone... and I'll repeat it here because it is so true:
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
A year has gone, and the pain of missing Christine has dulled somewhat... but the memories of our life together are brighter than ever. Her voice, her look, her touch... she will always be a part of me. I am certain that she is smiling down on us all today, and forever.
Miss you. 3am. Thanks for waiting for me, John, Anna, Colleen. My last post but not my last thought. My heart will always ache.
Well Chrissy, it's been a long year, and you have been missed every day of this year. I hope you like the tribute Janet and I laid out for you. We want you to feel comfortable when you drop in for a visit, especially during El Dia de los Muertos celebration. By the way, we got your message. Drop in anytime. We'll be here. We love you.
miss you
miss you
miss you
Miss you
miss you
There will be a very empty space in our hearts as we gather this evening, Colleen, Kris, Paul and I... to remember you and the love you brought to all of our lives.
You would have been 61 today. You left us way to soon. We miss you.
Miss you
miss you
Happy Valentine's Day, Chrissy.
miss you
miss you
Merry Christmas
I worked with Chris, what seems like a million years ago in the late 80's early 90's, when she was out-stationed at the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens. I respected her as a professional and relied on her integrity in what was for me a new field; mostly though I thought she was very funny and always kind. I hadn't connected with her in a number of years but I think of her often, as I drive by the hospital campus she used to work at several times a week. I will continue to think of her. One of the last times we spoke she told me of her happiness with her husband and step children. I am so very sorry for your loss, the world is a darker place with her gone.
For the sad loss of the Kidwell familys' beautiful neice you will be sadly missed by all your many cousins,aunts. and one uncle left here on earth. God bless John and the girls may he give you peace. Aunt Marlene
One of my favorite pictures of Chris, taken by her dear friend Anna, when they were visiting Whidbey Island this past spring.
Part II
Chrissy, your wedding to John that day, November11, 2000, was so much fun. The whole family was there-Lisa, Kenny, Aunt Jane, my wife Janet, mom and dad of course. Dad was a bit frail at the time, but I think he was confident with Lisa looking after him, and with you looking so radiant and happy, he seemed quite pleased that he finally got to see one of his little girls get hitched. I remember you said to John and me that you were so thankful that everything came together without a hitch, and all of us were able to share your special day with you and John. Indeed. It was a memorable for me as well.
It was just three years ago that you, Lisa, and I rented that house near Kenny in Fort Lauderdale. I was kind of surprised that you wanted to participate, but I'm so glad that you did. The memory of the week that we were there, plus the pictures I took then take on even more significance now. We got to talk to each other in a way we had not done in a long, long time. I am thankful for that brief time together.
If there is an "after life", then Chrissy, I'm confident you are doing quite well. I love you as a brother loves his sister, and as anyone can love a person of good will. You will be missed, surely, but you will remain in my heart forever.
Chrissy, being five years older than you provided me with the ability to watch you grow from a more "mature" perspective. Looking back at some of the moments we shared brings a smile to face. I wish there had been more. Like the time our mother brought you home from the ophthalmologist with that patch over your left eye. You were four or five maybe. Our mother said it was to strengthen the sight in your right eye, but it looked hideous. You were required to wear glasses, and a patch, but you seemed to take it all in stride, like this is the way life is, and sometimes comfort levels have to be adjusted. Even then you demonstrated to me a sort of quiet courage while facing adversity.
Remember the time we went to Lake Erie for a family outing? Dad, mom, grandma (in her WOOL coat!!), you, me. I can't recall if Lisa was around yet, but you and I couldn't wait to get into the water. At one point that afternoon, I was digging in the sand, and suddenly, mom cries out "Rob, quick, go get your sister!" You had wandered a little to far into deeper water, and started going under. I sprang into action-I was a superior swimmer, even at that early age-and pulled you safety. All ended well, but for the longest time afterward, you seemed to be glued to my side. Wherever I went, there you were. I guess you saw me as your protector. After a while, you stopped following me around. For you, the novelty wore off. But for me, I was proud of what I did. I saved my baby sister's life! By the way, decades later, mom told me she thought you were faking it. The nerve.
Hey, do you recall the time the two of us happened to be visiting Columbus at the same time-you from Florida, me from Boston or LA, I'm a little unclear about the timeline-and you were driving a yellow Camero? All I remember is our mother being very upset with you. You had a this new boyfriend mom clearly did not approve of, and, you had this car! It was actually his car, as I recall. Wow. Thinking about it now-it seems like so long ago.
I don't recall us visiting each other much, for some reason, after we both moved away from Columbus, until you came to see me out here in California after I became single again. I was living in West LA with a friend at the time, and when I told you that the world famous Chippendale's was right around the corner, you said "let's go!" Of course, men were not allowed in Chippendale's, which you knew, but you said you were kidding anyway. For you, Mr. Right was not some muscle bound guy gyrating in a thong. You said he needed to be smart, funny, thoughtful, kind, loving, and HAVE A JOB! Well Chrissy, you got that in spades.
Chrissy, when you invited Janet and I to visit you in Seattle, I was very happy. You were still looking for Mr. Right, but when we met some of you friends, I thought one of these guys could be THE guy. You had that great apartment in downtown Ballard, not too far from all the action. I liked that place a lot. You did too. But then you met John, and things for you were about to change.
End of Part I
My Darling Christine... Today, on what was to be our 15th Anniversary, I have no words to express the loss I now feel. From that first awkward date so many years ago, to this early Sunday morning past when you left us, you have simply been the best part of my life.
I will hold you in my heart forever.
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