Christine (Corbett) Sebesta Memorial Fund

Christine Sebesta (Corbett) Memorial Fund

Tragically and very unexpectedly Christine Sebesta (Corbett) lost her life, while camping with her family at Bear Creek campground in Kelowna on September 4, 2020. Christine was the most kind, loving and dedicated mother wife daughter, sister, and friend.

Christine loved being in the water and recently had taken up paddle boarding. On September 4th her and two friends ventured out in search of the sun and calm waters of Okanagan Lake, that Christine so cherished. About an hour into their paddle Christine had fallen off her board, which normally would have been ok for her, but something was wrong. She expressed that she did not feel right, Christine proceeded to flip and attempt to re- mount her board just like she had done a hundred times in the past, however, this time she slipped down under the water and emerged unconscious. Her friends contacted Ian and emergency services immediately, and with the help of friends and local community, was able to get her onto a boat next to the shoreline and commence CPR. However, Rocky terrain and log booms prevented Christine from being transferred from the boat to an ambulance. After well over 45 min of first aid and attempts at resuscitation on the boat, there was nothing more that could be done. As Ian and friends looked on, paramedics pronounced Christine as “passed” at the scene.

Christine leaves behind her two special needs teenagers who were her pride and joy! Brayden is 17 years old and is a Special Olympics swimming hopeful in Berlin 2022. Michael Sebesta is 15 years old and overcame his learning challenges and disabilities to become the West Kelowna Male Ambassador 2019/ 2020 representing his city and community throughout BC. Christine devoted her life to educating her kids and raising respectful loving adults. She was the and proudest Mama Bear you ever scene.

Christine also leaves behind Ian Sebesta who has been the love of her life and best friend for over 25 years. Do to Covid-19 Ian works away from home and was laid off for the past 6 months using every bit of savings to keep their family afloat. Ian was set to start an exciting new job on the Northern Coast of British Columbia on September 16, 2020. However, this job was to be on a 14-day rotational basis, but without Christine Ian must pick up where she left off and make the children his number one priority.

With no life or mortgage insurance for Christine, this GoFund me will help the following:

·        Funeral Costs and emergency travel,

·         Help Ian home school the children,

·         Help alive the financial burden, while transitioning into a local job market(eventually),

·         Provide emotional and phycological counselling and support for their family,

·         Most importantly the kids need their father on a full-time basis and Ian should not have to worry about feeding his family and losing the home and life they worked so hard to build.

If you are able, we are looking for friends and families help relieve this burden, by contributing to this GoFund me campaign. Alternatively, we understand not everyone is able to help financially, however, there are other ways to help. You can post this story and the GoFund me link on your social media accounts and within your community. You can also share your thoughts and prayers with Christine’s family.

On behalf of Ian, Brayden, and Michael, Thank you so much for your consideration during this extremely sensitive time.

Sincerely,

Alisa Dafoe (Family friend)

Cathy Corbett (Sister)