‘A life full of love and adventure’
CHRISTINE Llewelyn Iles has been remembered for scoring a notable first while still at school, conducting scientific research in Africa, and living a life “full of love and adventure”.
Christine, who died recently aged 83, was one of three daughters born to Rachel and Merlin Llewelyn in Aberdare.
She was the first student from the Aberdare Girl’s Academy to go to university, when her fellow students benefited from a half day off to celebrate.
She obtained her PhD from the University of Wales in Cardiff at the age of 23 in parisitology. The next day she married local rugby hero Derrick Iles – a marriage that would last 59 years.
After obtaining her PhD, she headed to Lake Malawi to continue her research. Her daughter Sian Elizabeth was born on the shores of the lake at a research centre while her mum was studying the cichlids of the Great Lakes of Africa.
Christine’s next stop in life took her to Lowestoft, where Derrick studied the herring fisheries of the North Sea. Christine began one of her varied careers here teaching nursing students. Her son David was then born.
In 1969, Derrick and Christine ventured across the Atlantic to St Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada – their longtime home.
Derrick settled in to the St Andrews Biological Station and Christine brought Rhiannon into the world – the third child on the third continent.
Christine became an integral part of life at St Andrews. She was a girl guide leader, Anglican Church volunteer, substitute teacher and seller of real estate among other activities.
The Iles house was known for its lovely gardens, a hobby she and Derrick thoroughly enjoyed.
There were endless supplies of crafts and experiments on hand for when her grandchildren went to visit.
Many of her children’s school friends were welcomed into a warm place to hang out.
Christine always made sure there was no shortage of snacks including Welsh cakes and warm homemade bread.
A 29-year breast cancer survivor, she supported the local cancer society, and provided inspiration and hope to those also struck with the disease.
In her last three years, she lived comfortably and safely at The Parklands on the Gardens in Halifax.
In a statement, her children said: “Thank you to Eleanor Brewster for helping her stay in St Andrews as long as possible, and being such a loving and understanding companion.
“Thanks to all the nursing and affiliate staff at the Shannex for making her life so pleasant.
“A shout out to Gabby and Princy for guiding her on her last few steps of her amazing 83-year adventure.”
Christine’s life will be celebrated at a later date at the Anglican Parish in St Andrews, New Brunswick, so her family and friends can all participate.
Her children added: “Thank you Mum, for always being there.”
Christine died peacefully on the morning of Thursday, March 16, in the loving company of her husband.
She is survived by her sisters Marlene Dillon and Marjorie Wheeler. Her life and memories are cherished by her children Sian, David and Rhiannon, as well as her seven grandchildren and her great-grandson.
Donations in her memory can be made to your local Alzheimer’s Society.