Chris J. Hamann

Christine Hamann was a gentle woman, friendly and kind in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Christine was born on March 16, 1944 at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, New York. She was the daughter of Joseph and Antoinette Blas. Christine grew up in Buffalo, New York.

Christine was raised with one sibling. She had one older sister, Arlene. Christine was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her sibling. She and her sibling were very close, and they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Christine had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She participated in church organizations & activities. Christine's memorable achievements included being on the honor roll in school. However, to Christine, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Christine had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy in 1962. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. She was an outstanding student.

Christine enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Christine was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology from the University of Buffalo. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Masters in Counseling from La Verne University. Her favorite course was Speech Therapy. Her favorite professor was Dr. Bugalski. Christine also worked at a department store.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Christine enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up and throughout her life, her best friend was Nancy Wozniak.

On September 23, 1967 Christine exchanged wedding vows with Frederick H. Hamann at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Buffalo, New York. Empathic and loyal, Christine was committed to making her new family happy.

Christine worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Christine was blessed with two children, two sons, Brad and Kevin. Another blessing for Christine was the gift of four grandchildren; Jillian, Kenny, Victoria and Andrew.

Fortunately, Christine enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Christine worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was teaching/resource specialist. She was employed for 31 years at Central School in Banning, California. Christine always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Christine enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, activities with kids, photo albums, scrapbooks and shopping for grandchildren. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Christine found pleasure in supporting her sons’ activities, including soccer and little league. Christine was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were Buffalo Bills football games.

Throughout her life, Christine was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Christine was a member of numerous Church Organizations. Throughout her later years, Christine was an active member of the Little League, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and the California Retired Teachers Association.

Christine was a woman who took pride in supporting her community. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving for the Little League, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and the California Retired Teachers Association.

Christine’s faith was important to her. She was a member of the San Gorgonio Catholic Church. During that time, she was involved in community volunteering and supporting her church’s activities.

Christine enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included the Caribbean, Mexico, Ecuador, Canada, Panama, Hawaii, Belize, Flagstaff Arizona and Del Mar California. She was always in search of a great photographic opportunity, souvenirs and jewelry. Travelling was a chance for Chris to relax and explore.

Christine was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her favorites were Conroy and Reggie, both Miniature Schnauzers and Heidi, a mixed dog. Chris and Heidi were inseparable. They often frequented the numerous drive-throughs of local fast food restaurants. Heidi enjoyed warm french fries and Chris often ordered food just for Heidi.

When Christine’s retirement finally arrived in June, 2005, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Beaumont, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in the California Retirement Teachers Association, cruises, traveling, gardening and shopping for grandchildren. Even in retirement, Christine continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Christine was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

By far, Chris’ greatest pastime was shopping. She most enjoyed shopping for gifts for her four grandkids, especially at Kohl’s and Carters. On holidays, her grandkids always received numerous boxes in the mail, filled with clothes, toys and games. Chris was widely known as a true shopper and a great gift giver.

Christine passed away on October 3, 2010 at Loma Linda Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. Christine passed away due to a stroke and lung cancer. She is survived by her husband, Fred; her sister, Arlene; her brother-in-law, Dan; her sons Brad (wife: Ivonne) and Kevin (wife: Kendal) and her grandchildren; Victoria, Andrew, Jillian and Kenny. Services were held at San Gorgonio Church. Christine was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Beaumont, California.

Simply stated, Christine was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. She was a very proud person, who supported her husband, children and grandchildren in every way that she could. Christine leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Christine Hamann.