Tributes and messages from Christa's friends

I extracted snippets from the many cards and emails we've been receiving. They tell their own consistent story about our lovely lady...

Words have truly failed me now; but I'm sure you know what is in my heart Lis

My heartfelt sorrow at your loss, but tinged with relief that your best girl is no longer suffering... but remember the years that you have shared such a great love. You will come through this, and there is a future Big Bro

We are very sad, that our beloved Christel has left us; but now she is in peace without any pain, and we are grateful that her suffering has an end Georg and his wife Gisela

We are so sorry that my sister Christel died. We are thankful that she died very peacefully, and that she is now finally at peace Karl and his wife Linda

Christel will always be in our hearts and memories Ria and Friederika

We'll always remember Christa as one of the most bubbly people we've ever known. What an amazing lady David and Anne

She was a very special person... always bubbly and smiling, I shall remember that above all else — I will miss her very much Pat

I feel both sadness and relief. Sadness that such a lovely person has gone. That lovely smile of hers always lit up the room. She was one of the warmest, kindest, and most genuine people I have known... She was always so open and giving and I doubt she ever had an unkind thought about anyone. We must all feel relief that her ordeal is over, but we will all miss her dreadfully... John and Judy

David, I am so sorry. Not that the ordeal is ending but that the world — and most particularly you, and Peter — should lose such a gentle, kind, magical person. Not all the world knows what it is losing, but I count myself blessed to be among those who do. Carol

We were very fond of her and cherish the memory of a person so generous with the gift of pure happiness... she was brave and characteristically selfless to the last Val

Peace be with you David, as it now is with your Beautiful Lady Gill and Chris

What can I say but how sorry I am? But no more suffering for her now — think of all your happy times Jane from the Wessex

Christa was an inspiring lady — she'll be one of my patients I'll never forget. Dr Joey, our GP

I can't begin to tell you how I feel right now Mike

I used to work with her in the very early days [1978] when there were only four of us in the checking team. I had to be the go-between because she was so cheerful and optimistic all the time and Sharon was so miserable Liz, Christa's CEO

She was interested in other people and made you feel important to her... Always a smiling presence Lin

She was always warm, welcoming and fun to be with Kate

One had to meet her only once to be impressed by how full of light she was Nick

She was a wonderful friend, and I know what a loving and devoted mother and wife she was. Marianne

Christa was a lovely person, such a good friend, always there when I needed someone to talk to Judy and Dick

She will always remain in my thoughts as a most valuable friend. I'll miss her Mary

She was such a lovely lady Will Masters

You are even luckier; you knew her for over 33 years and you accumulated happy memories all the way through Richard and Christina

I have lost a great friend Marita

She was an exceptionally good friend; her lively interest in others showed right to the end Janet

I've known Christa for over 20 years and always valued her as a good and caring friend, thinking only of others and always giving support and joy. I will miss her very much Heidi

Christa was the best Gillian and Ian

We're so sad about your terrible loss. I can very well understand that people took to her, always a smile on her face. I will never forget her Barbara and Ken

Christa was a lovely lady Brian