Christine Ellen "Chris" Arend, 99, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on June 10, 2024. She was married to Basil Arend on February 1,1947. They raised 11 children in Ft. Wayne, IN, and then retired in Wauchula, FL. Chris was born on August 14,1924, in Paulding, OH, the youngest child of Theresa and Frank Reinhart. She loved music, played in the band and sang in the high school choir. Chris instilled the love of music and game playing into her children.
Once retired, Chris took up shuffleboard and was a champion player. She also lead the water aerobics class and participated in BINGO, in her retirement community. Chris was an active volunteer at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Wauchula, FL. She loved to read and enjoyed many different crafts.
Chris is survived by her children: Carol (Paul) Spicer of Ft. Wayne, IN; Michael (Pamela) Arend of Paulding, OH; Susan Arend (Michael) Baxter of Cape Coral, FL; Larry Arend of Churubusco, IN; Diane (Stephen) Eckert of Ft. Wayne, IN; Sandra (Arthur) Silva of Cape Coral, FL; Rose (Scott) Bock of Odessa, FL; Denise (Steve) Simshauser of Penn Yan, NY; Timothy (Melynda) Arend of Churubusco, IN; Michelle (Bret) Kelch of Columbus, IN; 22 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
Chris was preceded in death by her husband, Basil and their son, Dennis.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, August 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 2120 S. Harrison St., Ft. Wayne, IN. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery. All family and friends are invited to a luncheon following burial, at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services-Mungovan Chapel, 2114 S. Calhoun St., Ft. Wayne. Indiana.
Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana Chapter-NE Office, 7221 Engle Rd. Ste. 230, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804.
