Christina Marie Bertoni

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Christina was the beloved daughter of the late Eugene Bertoni and Rosemary (Kromer) Bertoni. She traveled all over for her education, eventually making her home in Lincoln, RI.

A prolific artist, Christina’s ceramics were exhibited in numerous galleries throughout her career. Her greatest passion, however, was teaching. During her 42 years at the Rhode Island School of Design, she wore many hats, but she considered her work with students to be her most meaningful contribution.

Though not religious, Christina was deeply spiritual and believed in the healing and grounding power of nature. She cherished time outdoors, especially in her garden, listening to the birds. An accomplished gardener, she was well known for cultivating beautiful, thriving landscapes. She also had a profound love for animals, and many scruffy rescue pets lived out their happiest years in her care.

Christina dedicated her life to helping others. She was immensely proud of her service in the Peace Corps, where, at age 20, she was part of the first group of Americans sent to Botswana; an experience that shaped her for the rest of her life. Guided by empathy, she helped found Tannerhill, a group home in Burrillville, RI. She especially loved children and kept her collection of vintage Fisher Price toys for any young visitors. Christina was widely known as a warm, caring soul who found joy in conversation with anyone and had a rare gift for making people feel truly seen.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jan Holcomb, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage; her devoted son, Nicholas Holcomb, and his wife, Rachel; and her cherished nieces and nephews: Odessa Bowen, Eagle Bowen, Celeste White, Isobel Luengas, Lilian Luengas, Aleksis Bertoni, Samantha Earl, Terra Holcomb, Mark Holcomb, Daniel Waldholz, and Rachel Waldholz. She was the dear sister of Matthew Bertoni and Camilla Luengas and was predeceased by her brothers Nick Bertoni and Mark Bertoni.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Sunday, April 19, from 2:00–5:00 PM with a funeral service to follow immediately at 5:00 PM at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Christina’s name to the ACLU by visiting https://action.aclu.org/give/now or the RISPCA by visiting https://web.charityengine.net/donateRISPCA.

Christina’s legacy of kindness, warmth, and compassion will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.