Mother of four killed in holiday road tragedy (From Romsey Advertiser)

Mother of four killed in holiday road tragedy

10:27am Friday 14th September 2012 in News

A FAMILY has paid tribute to a “perfect” mum of four who died in a motorcycle accident while on holiday.

Christine Gaiger, 51, was riding pillion on her husband’s motorbike when they were involved in an accident in Arnoldstein, Austria.

The couple, from Romsey, were four days into a holiday travelling through Europe.

Husband of 27 years Steve told how his wife, who worked as an administrator at Braishfield Primary School, had been looking forward to the new school term.

She leaves behind sons Rob, 26, Tom, 24, Ed, 22, and daughter Laura, 19.

The couple had been staying in the village of Malta, in the Carinthia region of southern Austria, but decided to take a scenic day trip into Slovenia and Italy.

They were an hour into their journey on August 22 when Christine came off the bike.

Steve was uninjured but Christine died at the scene.

Steve, 55, of Smiths Field, said: “She was just perfect really, very loyal and loving and hard working and a homemaker. We were a team.”

Born in London, Christine moved to Basingstoke aged three, which was where she met Steve. They moved to the Romsey area 26 years ago.

Although Steve had always been keen on motorbikes, it was only six years ago that Christine discovered she shared his passion.

This was their third annual motorcycle holiday in Europe.

“She was in a place that she really loved and we were doing it in a way that she enjoyed and we were together, but it’s very difficult,” added Steve.

“It’s a comfort but it doesn’t take the sadness out of your loss.

“There were so many other places we wanted to go. She just liked travelling and exploring on the motorbike. It was almost the big secret that nobody knew.”

Son Rob added: “She really did give up everything to bring the four of us up the best way she could and she did an amazing job.”

Christine was a well-known face at Braishfield Primary School, where she had taken her children to school and worked for the past ten years. Previously she had worked for Romsey Town Council.

Jeremy Thompson, head teacher at the school, said Christine was a popular member of staff and will be greatly missed.

“Staff and families hold many fond memories of Christine, who was known for her sense of humour, efficiency and commitment to ensuring the smooth running of the school,” he said.

“The thoughts of all at the school are with Mrs Gaiger’s family at this very sad time.”

An inquest was opened and adjourned into Christine’s death, which listed a possible cause of death as traumatic brain injury.

Christine’s funeral will be at Romsey Abbey on Monday at 10am.