Christiane Helene Garisek

January 11, 1948 – February 8, 2025

In the early hours of February 8, 2025, Christiane Helene Garisek, 77, of Huntington Beach, CA, passed away peacefully at home, embraced by the love of her family.

Born on January 11, 1948, in Germany to Helmut Schoppe and Else Zimmerman, Christiane was raised in Kaan-Marienborn in a close-knit, multigenerational home. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of resilience, kindness, and devotion to family and community she carried with her her whole life.

On Mother’s Day in 1974, Christiane made the courageous decision to leave behind her beloved mother, sister, career and homeland, setting out to California to marry her love, Marty. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and unwavering commitment. This past June, they celebrated 50 years of marriage—a milestone that speaks to the foundation of love they created.

Christiane had an incredible drive to always better herself and the world around her. In Germany, she was a graduate of business school and early in her career worked at Phillips, in the early-generation computer department, foreshadowing her lifelong ability to embrace change and challenges. She carried that spirit into every role she took on, from leading the organization of the Youth Dance Group at the Phoenix Club to serving as founding member of the Academy of the Performing Arts (APA) Guild and APA foundation. She was instrumental in helping to build a performing arts high school that continues to thrive today. She was notably the classified staff union president for Huntington Beach Union High School district for years while managing business operations for 3 high schools. She was a fierce advocate, a problem solver, and a natural leader, always working to uplift others and champion the most vulnerable. Her binders full of certificates and glowing letters of recommendations serve as a testament to her dedication, but even more so do the countless lives she impacted with her wisdom and kindness.

Though known for her determination and work ethic, Christiane also had a vibrant, joyful side that brought light to those around her. As a child, she climbed trees and rescued animals. As a young adult, she earned a brown belt in judo and even traveled to Japan to compete. She mastered the art of baking, delighting many with her artisan breads and special cakes. As an expert seamstress, she lovingly crafted dance costumes and Halloween outfits. She was a lover of the arts and a woman of deep culture and refinement. Even in times of crisis, she found ways to give—during the COVID-19 pandemic, she selflessly sewed and donated hundreds of masks for first responders, hospital staff and other essential workers. Her commitment to excellence was unmatched ensuring each mask was of the highest quality, tailoring her designs to meet the needs of each professional.

In July 2022, Christiane was met with her greatest challenge when diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive and terminal brain cancer. True to her nature, she faced it with grace, courage, and unwavering concern for those she loved. Even in the face of her own illness, her deepest worry was for her family’s well-being, and she never stopped caring for them.

Christiane is survived by her devoted husband, Martin Garisek; her beloved daughters, Daniela Garisek and Shoshana Garisek-Schroeder; her cherished sister, Gabriele Schoppe; her loving son-in-law, Alexander Schroeder; and her treasured grandson, Logan Schroeder, who brought her endless joy.

Her presence in this world was a gift—one of boundless love, selflessness, and strength. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit, wisdom, and warmth will live on in the countless hearts she touched. Her life was a testament to love, perseverance, and service to others.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

If you're feeling inspired by Christiane’s altruism and would like to support individuals with Glioblastoma and their caregivers, please consider making a donation to this organization.

https://glioblastomafoundation.org/

Please reference below for information on Christiane’s celebration of life.