General News
26 August, 2021
Loss To The Community
Allora residents are still in shock following the sudden passing of Christina Parlevliet, a popular figure in the community and an enthusiastic volunteer.
Christina Gemma Parlevliet nee Blessing was born in Amsterdam in 1943. She migrated to Sydney in 1952 by ship with her Mum, Dad and 5 siblings. From Sydney the family moved to Warren NSW where Christina completed her schooling.
After finishing school, she decided to go into nursing which took her to Dubbo. Christina met Aat Parlevliet who worked at the Commercial Bank in Warren. They married in 1963 and set up home in Bell.
Their six children (Deb, Liz, David, Stephen, Jenny and Tina) grew up in Bell and all attended the In Catholic School in Lithgow. During this time Christina ran a Coffee Shop, the Lithgow TAFE canteen and completed her Teacher-Aide training.
In 2005 Christina and Aat moved to Allora. They both became ministers at the Church. Christina went straight back to the classroom teaching scripture at the State School and preparing the children there for their sacraments. She soon found a sewing circle, meeting every Tuesday for stitching and coffee.
Christina also volunteered at the Allora Op shop and has been involved with ‘Days for Girls’ since it started here in Allora. She won numerous awards at the local Allora show with her needlework, knitting and gorgeous quilts.
Her love of the water saw her in the pool early in the morning during the summer months with Marg and Kate – the swimming club kids heralded their arrival with the end of their gruelling squad training.
Christina was a wonderful Mum to her six children and proudly stepped back to watch and guide them as she became Nanna to her 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She had boundless inclusive love for her extended family.
Her love of family also involved the annual family get-together in July – a yearly gathering which has sadly been foregone these last two Covid years, which, by the sad and sudden passing of Christina, stands as a reminder that we all need to keep in touch because you just never know.
