Our lovely Christina (Tina) Deborah Jane Skinner transitioned from this earthly realm on November 28th 2020, after a courageous 3 year journey with cancer.
Tina grew up in Ancaster where she attended Ancaster High School before going on to graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2004, with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She began her career at TJX Canada (Winners) in Toronto. Tina's beautiful taste and business savvy allowed her to share her love of fashion with others. Always one to understate her professional accomplishments, Tina excelled in her roles and quietly rose through the ranks during her 10-year tenure there, ultimately becoming a Fashion Buyer. It was early on in her career that she met her husband Kenny in Toronto. Together they moved to Manhattan where Tina continued her fashion work, while exploring and enjoying all of the cultural and artistic opportunities that NYC offered. During this time she was able to re-connect with her love of horseback riding, meeting wonderful new friends who she was able to travel and ride with. Tina and Kenny moved back to Canada to be nearer family in 2017, only to be faced with a cancer diagnosis shortly thereafter.
Tina reveled in the beauty of all beings & creatures, including her magical ponies and the pets she shared with her loving husband Kenny; horse, Hank, two cats, Ninja & Lloyd, and 'small-dog', Koda. Quietly determined, she never gave up on an idea once she set her mind to it. A lover of nature and the outdoors, Tina hiked and climbed her way to the top of many a mountain. She was a world class businesswoman, and truly creative. She never lost sight of how form and function can work harmoniously together, nourishing more of humanity with beauty. Between cancer treatments, she turned her talents to painting, to help in her healing process, and to spread beauty and energy to individuals and spaces. Tina’s humility, playful contentment with life, and profound kindness were a blessing to those who met her and were lucky to call her a friend.
In addition to her loving husband Kamaldeep (Kenny) Singh Grewal of Toronto, Tina is beloved and survived by immediate family; parents John Muir Skinner and Margaret Skinner (nee Jude) of Ancaster, sister Janet (Dave), and nieces Madeline and Simone. Also adored by the extended Grewal family; parents-in-law Charanjit and Bhagwant Grewal of Oakville, sisters-in-law Harby Rakhra (Harji Bajwa) of Oakville, Barinder Grewal (Derek Fosbury) of Oakville, Surinder Basra (Dalbir Basra) of Oakville, and Jeevy Grewal of Hamilton, in addition to many much-loved nieces (Amanda, Nina, Remina, Anisha, Serena, and Navia) and nephews (Jordan and Ryan).
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Joe’s Hospital Foundation in Toronto at the above DONATIONS tab to:
https://supportstjoes.ca/christina-skinner/
We cannot thank the St. Joe’s Community health professionals enough for their compassion over the last ~3 years. Dr. Bakanisi’s gifted hands and heart gave Tina her best shot at living. Consistent with his giving character, Dr. Bakanisi moved back home to Africa to serve underprivileged communities; as Tina's family, we are forever grateful for his expertise and service.
To view Tina's legacy of artwork, please visit her website:
www.christinaskinner.com
Christina's wish is that we celebrate her life......
"Let a tear if you will, but let a smile come quickly
For I have loved the laughter of life."
I give you this, one thought to keep.
I am with you still, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone – I am with you still,
In each new dawn.
Private ceremonies with immediate family only were held on the afternoon of November 28th and morning of December 1st. Cremation has taken place.