Christine Bobadilla

Christine E. Bobadilla, “Chris”, was born in 1951 in Dallas, Texas, to Raul and Aurora Bobadilla. Their first born, she was quite literally, a bouncing bundle of joy! Non-stop energy, a porcelain complexion, a radiant smile, a head full of curls, and her signature laughter captivated her parents’ hearts from the start. Chris was the quintessential older sister to Michele and Elena and to her late brother, Raul Jr. On Sunday, March 15, a beautiful, crisp spring morning, the Lord called her home.

A life-long East Dallas “girl” she attended Davy Crockett and William Lipscomb Elementary Schools, J.L. Long Junior High, and Woodrow Wilson High School. Chris took great pride in having attended some of the best schools in Dallas ISD and loved growing up in a community that was a true neighborhood. A place where people looked out for each other - where as children we could ride our bikes or skate down the sidewalks of the tree lined streets with the greatest of ease; where everyone knew you by name; where finding a lemonade stand on a hot, summer day was not out of the ordinary; where Saturday matinees at the Lakewood Theater were a rite of passage along with cruising around White Rock Lake and splashing in the spillway; where we could walk to the Y and meet up with friends; where the soda fountain at the pharmacy was the place to be and where the Lakewood Library was a hot spot long before WiFi – a place you could call home.

After graduating from Woodrow in 1970 as an honors graduate, Chris was offered a full ride scholarship to Wellesley College. Suddenly, she found herself at a crossroad not sure if she was ready to leave home and the warmth of family, friends, and the Texas sun. After much deliberation, she decided to start her college education at El Centro College and a year later transferred to The University of Texas at Austin where she majored in art. She literally bled orange and white. Texas Fight was her song of choice. Hook’em Horns because none are better! Making the Dean’s List, Chris excelled academically and loved campus life.

Her professional career began at Mobil Oil, home to Dallas’ signature Pegasus. There she made a friend for life, Meriann Lawson. Her career path with Mobil Oil was lengthy and offered her many opportunities for growth, travel, and for a time she established roots in Virginia, before returning to Dallas. During her Mobil heydays, she developed lifelong friendships with Amy and Bill Wells, Debbie Burke, Lara Burr and many others. She later became a Heritage Mobil employee through the Exxon Mobil merger.

When her Mobil days as a Diversity Marketing Manager came to a close, Chris embarked on a new adventure. She began working with the League of United Latin American Citizens. Hector Flores, national president, established a Dallas office and Chris managed his plethora of responsibilities. As was her style, she dove head first into ensuring that as president of one of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organizations, Mr. Flores’ and LULAC’s agenda, would be top of mind with corporate partners. She did this by building and nurturing relationships in support of the organization’s mission. Her time at LULAC included visits to Los Pinos national collaborations, establishment of the LULAC President’s Medallion of Excellence, and the organization’s women’s signature event – A High Tea honoring LULAC Women of Distinction. Chris and Janey Appia were determined to make this recognition of women and their enormous contributions to LULAC a reality that was long overdue.

When President Flores’ term at LULAC came to a close, she took advantage of an incredible opportunity to establish Hispanic marketing initiatives for GM in Texas. Chris - an eloquent speaker who possessed a vibrant personality, boundless energy, a quick wit, perseverance and determination set out to make it happen. Three months into her new career pathway, Chris suffered a stroke that would change the world she knew. Her quick wit was halted, her gift of gab was silenced for a while, her vibrant personality dimmed…but, with the support of loving family, a circle of friends, the medical staff at Baylor Dallas, rehabilitation therapists at Health South, speech therapists at The Callier Center for Speech and Communication Disorders at UT Dallas, and specifically, Lucinda Dean, and The First Presbyterian Church of Dallas…Chris came out of the dark into the light and worked through her challenges.

She became very actively engaged at First Church. Chris attended Projects with Ann, Graciela and many others and helped make pillows and stuffed animals for hospitalized children; she attended the MM Class with Louise, Jane, and others; she attended Keenager trips and loved spending time with Debbie R. Young and Jay Evans; she volunteered binding books for the day school; she collected clothing and school supply essentials for the mission in Juarez, she attended Circle meetings; and most recently accepted the challenge of calling shut-ins in order to practice her communication skills. She enjoyed dinner dates with Peggy Leeman Ramirez and Johnny Ramirez; she loved a good party and salsa rhythms; travel, movies, books, and sharing recipes were some of her pastimes.

Chris loved her three nephews – Raul III, Niko, and Jac more than words can express. They were truly the greatest gifts in her life. She relished in their accomplishments; marveled in their growth as young men filled with dignity and conviction; she chronicled their rites of passage through photos, emails, cards, and texts;, she was the proud aunt who carried the brag book and would happily whip it out for all to see; and now, they will live in her heart eternally. If they feel a tug on an ear or a pinch on a check that will be Aunt Chris saying,“Heeelllooo! How you doing?”

Chris is survived by her sisters, Michele and Elena; her nephews, Raul III, Niko, and Jac; a host of family and friends; dear neighbors, and her church family. We would like to thank Brenda Kirby, Minerva Rodriguez, Cynthia Gonzalez, Yolanda Tafoya, Richard Rodriguez, Susie Anguiano, Ivan Ramirez, Robert Saucedo, Luis Franco, Carlos Cordero, Christina Smith, and Rev. Dr. Joe Clifford for always being there. We also want to thank all who have lifted us in prayer.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 19:11

Your love and generous spirit will leave a huge void in our hearts. We will miss you so deeply and know that you are rejoicing with dad, mom, and Raul Jr. Your morning wake-up calls with your signature greeting, “Heelloo! How you doing?” ; your hugs; your creativity; your offbeat jokes; your laugh; your smile; your true grit and determination have left an indelible mark. You were one-of-a-kind!

God bless you dear Chris. Our lives were made richer because of you. Love you forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, 1835 Young St., Dallas, TX 75201.