Kristina Joy Shugart

She came into this world on Christmas Day, December 25, 1947 in Austin, Texas to parents, George Wilmas Neill Jr. and Aline Laverne Hoes Neill Foster. She was the eldest of her siblings: George W. Neill III, Rebecca Jean Neill Motloch, and Terry Dean Neill. Kristina had an older half-sister, Frances June Neill Herrington Borre.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her half-sister Fran, her sister Becky, and her son-in-law Eloy Portillo. Kristina entered eternal rest on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Kristina attended St. Elmo Elementary, Porter Jr. High and William B. Travis High School, later taking courses at Austin Community College with the dream of earning a nursing degree.

Life had other plans for her, and she began an unexpected but meaningful 30-year career with the Internal Revenue Service, from 1965 to 1995. She was honored with the Albert Gallatin Award for Meritorious Service.

After retiring from the IRS, Kristina found her true calling as an advocate for the elderly. From 1998 to 2007, she worked in the Ombudsman Program at the Area Agency on Aging, where her compassion made a lasting impact. She raised awareness through the Silver Haired Legislature, helped publish the first Assisted Living Directory, and played an instrumental role in multiple advisory boards and legislative workgroups—including “Money Follows the Person,” which helped nursing home residents return to more independent living situations.

Kristina was deeply involved in improving elder care across Texas. She served on the Texas Department on Aging Advisory Board, the Board of Assisted Living Advisory Committee at the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and other influential committees between 1999 and 2005. She was also a licensed assisted living administrator.

Her heart for service extended into many volunteer efforts. She co-founded and served as President of the Austin Interpreters for the Deaf and was active in the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf from 1970 to 1990. Kristina also volunteered for the Opportunity Fair for the Disabled, Women in Government, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program while working at the IRS. Her volunteerism continued after retirement with the Volunteer Ombudsman Organization, McKinney Police Alumni Association, and the Stephen Ministries in McKinney, Texas.

Kristina was the proud mother of three daughters: Karen Denise Dalley Portillo, Donna Suzette Horrigan and husband John Michael Horrigan and Tammy Renee Basquette Shugart.

She was blessed with five grandchildren: John Matthew Horrigan and wife Megan, Heather Dawn Dalley Davis and husband Bradley, Krystal Suzette Horrigan Douglas and husband Trevor, Samantha Ann Basquette Foster and husband Brandon and Joshua Lee Portillo.

Kristina was lovingly known as “Gigi” to her seven great-grandchildren: Tinsley Rae Douglas, Ty Robert Douglas, Brody Mason Davis, Hudson Dakota Davis, Arwyn Ann Foster, Tatum Rose Douglas and Hadley Grace Horrigan.

Kristina’s family meant everything to her. She poured her love into her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews—always putting family first.

In later years, Kristina enjoyed time with her mother, Aunt Margaret, and her dear friend Ruby Kleberg, taking part in senior adventures within the Deaf community—a special time filled with joy. She loved gardening, crossword puzzles, reading Reader’s Digest and spiritual novels. She enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, Little House on the Prairie, and Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman with her bowl of popcorn or ice cream.

In 2019, Kristina was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. True to her spirit, she faced this journey with courage and grace, armed with knowledge from her years of advocacy. With the support of her daughters, sons-in-law, and the dedicated staff at Arbor House-Evergreen in Marble Falls, Texas, she fought with strength and dignity until the end.

Kristina will be laid to rest on Friday, May 9th 2025 at the Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home in Oak Hill, Texas. Visitation will be at 12pm, service at 1pm and she will be laid to rest next to her mother at 2pm.