Christina Cossette 1925 - 2013 Christina Cossette passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan, Sask. on Monday, February 11, 2013 at the age of 87 years. Christina was born on August 15, 1925 on the home farm with her Grandmother Leptich as mid-wife. She was the seventh of twelve children born to Nicholas and Katherine Leptich. Christina attended a rural school (Roseview) until Grade 3, then attended Valley View School in Estevan for Grades 4, 5 and 6, went to Glaston School for Grades 7 and 8, and finally to Lampman High School. Upon completion of Grade 11, Christina attended Normal School in Regina in 1943-1944, received a temporary teaching certificate - due to a shortage of teachers because of the war. Many years later, Christina completed Grade 12 and also achieved her Bachelor of Education Degree in 1983. Her first teaching position was at Madigan School near Estevan. Madigan School was a rural school with twenty pupils in eight grades. She taught there for two years and during that time, Christina met her husband, Alphonse Cossette. Christina and Alphonse were married in November of 1946. They moved to Estevan and have resided there ever since - 66 years. While raising their family of five children, Christina worked part time as a substitute teacher in the Catholic school system. In September of 1963, Christina returned to teaching full time, working in various schools. She retired in June of 1985. Upon her retirement, Christina was involved in volunteer work, particularly with the St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary. She joined the genealogy club and did extensive research on her ancestors. Christina also enjoyed travelling with her husband and was a very active and caring grandmother. Christina was predeceased by her husband, Alphonse (December 2012) and one daughter, Angela (July 1960), as well as numerous other family members. Christina is lovingly remembered by her children, Bernard (Diana) of Calgary, Alta., Ronan of Estevan, Celeste (Clayton) of Calgary, Armand (Nancy) of Ottawa, Ont. and Maureen (Dennis) of Nipawin, Sask.; as well as 19 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; brother, Joe Leptich of Forestburg, Alta.; sisters, Kay Wikjord of Burnaby, B.C., Mary Schiestel of Estevan and Lillian (Ted) Fai of Bienfait, Sask., as well as numerous other family members. Prayers were held on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, with Doug Third officiating. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Estevan, by Rev. Juanito Vargas. Interment followed in Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, Estevan. Those so wishing may make donations to the New Estevan Regional Nursing Home or Pro-Life Estevan & Area Inc. in Christina's memory. "All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last." The family wishes to thank everyone for their care and comfort at this time of sadness. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan.
