Support for Henry After the Loss of Christine

After a long and courageous 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis, Christine Bouthiette passed away peacefully—finally reunited with her parents in heaven. She leaves behind her husband of 34 years, Henry, and a family who adored her.

Christine was a strong, intelligent, and resilient woman who managed her home and family with grace, even as her health declined. Before her illness, she worked as a food and beverage manager—where she met Henry, who happened to be working for the competition. They built a life together filled with love, service, and a deep dedication to family.

For the last few years, her great-granddaughter’s parents, Casey and Shane, helped care for Christine full-time, allowing Henry to continue working. Casey, who Christine and Henry helped raise, was by her side until the very end.

What many people may not know is that the first 10 years of Christine’s illness drained most of Henry’s retirement. Though he received some help in the final years, the long-term toll—physically, emotionally, and financially—was significant. A short-term life insurance policy that he didn’t realize had expired just weeks before her passing has added another unexpected layer of stress during a time of deep grief.

Henry has never asked for help. He’s always just done what needed to be done. When I worked with him at Candlestone, I watched him show up day after day—even after nights spent in hospital rooms or caring for Christine at home. He never complained. He drove an hour each way, six days a week, juggling full-time work with full-time caregiving. While some didn’t understand the weight he was carrying, I saw it—and I know I’m not the only one.

Today, he works as the Clubhouse Manager at the Legacy at Hastings, overseeing events, food, and beverage. From the outside, it may look like he’s working by choice. But the truth is, he’s working because he has to.

This fundraiser is simply to offer support—an opportunity for those who loved Christine, care about Henry, or have been touched by their story, to help ease the financial burden of cremation, burial, and celebration of life expenses.

Christine will be cremated and buried with her parents. A celebration of life will be held from 1 - 5 PM on Saturday, June 28 at The Legacy at Hastings, where cash/check donations will also be collected, for those who prefer to contribute that way.

If you feel called to support, whether by donating, sharing, or sending love, it means more than you know.

Thank you.

—Kat Hansen