Chrisandra Colaneri (nee Bowey) Dec 29, 1971 – Mar 1, 2025
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Chrisandra, beloved wife, mother and best friend of husband Micheal and son Liam, who passed away peacefully at home in Thunder Bay with her family around her.
Born in Narrogin, Western Australia, Chrisandra was a beautiful child whose personality was a mix of creativity, love, happiness, generosity, humour and a genuine care for others mixed with a bit of mischievousness. Her father would call her Sunshine and she had a special bond with her grandfather. She always saw the best in people which made her a favourite in high school and throughout her life.
Chrisandra was adventurous, which led her to attend a work holiday in Calgary, Canada. It was there that her life changed. Micheal was introduced to her and was instantly smitten. He whispered to his friend about how breathtaking she was and that he would one day like to marry her! After attending the Calgary Stampede together with others, he asked if she would like to come for a visit to Toronto. She did, they hit it off and had their first official date in Niagara Falls. Two years of dating later, Mike asked, she said yes, and they married in 1999. Their lives changed again in 2002 when they welcomed the arrival of their son Liam. She was now devoted to the two most important men in her life.
As a mom, she was a formative figure for Liam, fiercely protective, yet encouraging him to explore and experience life. He would tell you she was an awesome mom, his best friend and an absolute angel on earth. Although heartbroken by her loss, he knows she is now an angel watching from above. As a wife, Mike would say that she was too beautiful to believe and she became his world. There was love in everything they did together – home, work, travel, bringing up Liam, going to the cottage, visiting or hosting get-togethers with friends and family.
In their nearly 30 years together, they lived in Toronto, London, Kingston, Ottawa and finally in Thunder Bay. Chrisandra was always up for adventure and liked to travel - coming from Australia to Canada, visiting France, Germany (saw the wall come down), Cuba and getaways closer to home like Duluth, Minneapolis and Winnipeg. But it was at their cottage at Polly Lake where she really loved to be. It was her sanctuary, a peaceful retreat where she found her solace and joy in the beauty around her. She was also a pretty good angler! Chrisandra had a special connection to nature, spending countless hours in her garden, nurturing plants with the
same care and attention she gave to everything else in her life. She, along with her dad and father-in-law are likely changing the landscape up above right now.
As a talented jewelry designer, she left her mark in the world of craftsmanship and jewelry sales creating pieces that were as unique and elegant as she was. Her clients loved her.
Chrisandra loved life, her husband and son, her family, her home, her cottage, the environment, her artistic hobbies (like pottery and painting), and her homeland Australia.
Left behind to miss Chrisandra and cherish her memory are her husband, Micheal, son Liam, mother Geralene, sisters Jacinta Duffy (Mark) and Anneka Fraser (Ben), in-laws Mike and Marie Hogan, Tony Colaneri and Lorenzo and Helen Colaneri. Also, survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles in both Australia and Canada. Chrisandra was predeceased by her grandparents, her father William, and mother-in-law and father-in-law Giovanni and Guiseppina Colaneri.
Her kindness, creativity, and warmth will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Chrisandra’s legacy will live on through Michael and Liam, who will carry forward the love and wisdom she imparted to them.
Special Thanks to Dr. Ibrahim, Dr. Anthes along with all the Special Nurses at TBRHS Cancer Care. Your expressions of kindness, comfort, compassion and understanding have made this very difficult time a bit more bearable. You are angels for what you do.
A private gathering with immediate family has been held to honor her memory. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place in the summer (Chrisandra’s favourite time) and will be announced separately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Regional Cancer Care Clinic or a charity of your choice in her name.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
