It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ionela Cristina Damian, 47 years old. Cristina ended her earthly journey on September 8th, 2025 after attempting a very rare trial treatment in Calgary for an auto immune terminal illness. She fought with the strength and courage of a true warrior until her very last breath.
Her greatest joy was her son, Patrick, who filled her life with love and purpose. For 20 beautiful years she was a devoted wife to Cornel, sharing a love for travel and countless cherished memories together.
She leaves behind an inconsolable heart – her mother Ioana - whose bond with her little girl was a profound and unbreakable connection, a love that outlasts time and holds on forever.
Her loud presence will now be complete silence in the heart of her only brother, Marius who will forever carry the pain of this heartbroken loss.
Among her many roles she was a cherished sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and a true friend. She was also one of the most dedicated and successful nurses, admired for her compassion, skills and commitment to caring for others.
Cristina was a passionate hiker and traveler, always eager to explore new places and experiences. She loved learning new things and embraced every challenge with courage and enthusiasm.
Cristina touched everyone she met; her spirit and joy will forever be with us.
There will be a wake with a viewing held Monday, September 22nd at 5:30pm, 2025 at the Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel, 11969 216th Street, Maple Ridge, BC.
Religious Orthodox Ceremony is taking place of Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Nicolae Romanian Orthodox Church at 8679 Harvie Road in Surrey.
Burial is at Port Coquitlam Cemetery, 4150 Oxford Street Port Coquitlam on September 23rd, 2025 at 1:30.
Flowers can be sent to Port Coquitlam Cemetery, plot 22.
September 26th, 2025
I trained Cristina at the gym she was a member of. This is me in the circuit with her as she completed her first 100 hits. Always so proud of her milestones, Cristina was always wanting to work on perfecting her technique.
She is a gem on this earth and a soul that will be missed greatly by many. Her loss feels very heavy. I wish her family peace at this time.
September 22nd, 2025
It is so hard to accept that you are no longer here with us, and I still keep waiting for someone to deny that this is the reality now. I found this picture of you, and it’s my favorite of all the ones I ever took of you, so I felt the need to put it here, because I believe it represents you so well - beautiful, angelic, smiling, and kind. Thank you for everything, my Ila. I will continue to make you proud, and I will keep your words and advice with me forever. You meant so much to me, more than you could ever imagine. A part of you will always be reflected in my life, and those I love, and even others, will hear stories about you, about the positive impact you had on me. Always, now and forever, love you.
September 22nd, 2025
In 2014, I had the privilege of meeting Cristina, Cornel, and their 11-year-old son, Patrick, while helping them purchase their home. Cristina was the epitome of kindness—a gentle, radiant spirit who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was, without a doubt, the nicest person I’ve ever known. Her greatest joy was her family, Cornel and Patrick, who she cherished deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of loss. May they find solace in knowing Cristina was truly an extraordinary soul, loved and remembered always.
September 21st, 2025
Vei rămâne mereu în inima și amintirea noastră, "Sora mea dragă, te vom purta în suflet mereu", "Odihnește-te în pace, înger al familiei noastre. Amintirea ta ne va lumina calea. 🙏🕊️💖
September 21st, 2025
Seventeen years ago, I was blessed to meet a wonderful friend. Life took us on different paths, but destiny brought her back to me in the most meaningful moment—when I gave birth. She was there as a nurse, with her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit, helping me through one of the most important days of my life.
That memory will stay with me forever. She will always live in my heart, not only as the friend I once met, but as the angel who stood by me in such a precious moment.
My thoughts and prayers are with her husband and son, who were her greatest treasures. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply she touched the lives of others, and how her light will continue to shine through them.
September 19th, 2025
Dumnezeu sa te. Odihnească,Cristina!
September 19th, 2025
So sorry for your loss my friend.
I am sure she is dancing with the angels now.caro dio grazie per questa vita.
September 19th, 2025
Your family is in my prayers
September 18th, 2025
Cristina
It was shocked to learn about your passing. I am deeply so sorry that your are already gone. I remember when we worked together on 5 North and not long ago we saw each other in OR. I can’t believe it my friend. My heart goes out to your husband and son for the loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie
September 17th, 2025
It was so shocking to know that you are gone.Its so hard to process. Cristina you were so kind,caring,strong and very close to your family. When we were at Kwantlen we had all our clinicals together and even our first job at Bunbaby hospital was in the same unit.you are gone too soon my friend.Rest in peace.
September 16th, 2025
It is deeply heartbreaking that you are gone, and it feels like a part of us has been erased completely. Even though we have not seen each other in years, I will never forget our small chat through a phone call this summer, when you wished me the best and told me how proud you were of what I have achieved so far. That moment meant the world to me. Rest in peace.
September 15th, 2025
My dear friend Cornel, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved wife. She was a kind and gentle soul who touched the lives of many. Though her time was too short, her love and warmth will always be remembered. Please know you are not alone—our hearts and prayers are with you. May her soul rest in peace.
September 13th, 2025
Dragă Cristina, unde ai plecat? Mai aveai atât de multe de făcut aici! Patrick nu are încă aripi atât de solide încât să-l laṣi să zboare singur; iar Cornel nu se descurcă fără tine! Îmi este peste putință să cred că n-am să te mai văd! Atât de sufletistă! Atât de tânără! Atât de frumoasă! Dumnezeu să te aṣeze în ceata celor drepți! Drum lin spre cer, dragă prietenă!
September 13th, 2025
Dumnezeu să te odihnească în liniște și pace!!
Sa veghezi asupra familiei tale și să îi ocrotești!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
September 13th, 2025
Cristina was a strong, kind and passionate person. We worked together for a few years in the hospital & I was able to get to know her. Though we had lost touch, I will forever be grateful for her. I remember we would sit quietly in a room doing our work. There she shared her most vulnerable moments with me, and spoke of her love for her family. She loved her son very much. Cristina will be forever missed.
September 13th, 2025
Even though we hadn’t seen each other for a long time, you always remained close to my heart.
The memories we shared and the bond of family cannot be erased by distance or time.
Your passing leaves a deep sadness, but also a gentle light that will live on in my soul.
May you rest peacefully, surrounded by love and eternal grace.
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