Christine Patricia Schenker

Christine Patricia Schenker (December 29, 1951 - July 26, 2014). Chris passed unexpectedly at home in Hermosa Beach. She is survived by her husband of 23 years and life partner of 30 years, Steve, and their loving 21 year old daughter, Sarah. She also leaves her older and younger brothers, John and David, and their respective families as "Aunt Chris."

Born in Pasadena, Chris Wilson was raised in the San Gabriel Valley and graduated from Monrovia High School in 1970. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Immaculate Heart College. Chris's career took her through a number of positions in Marketing with her most recent job of 10 years with Hilton Hotels Corporation in Beverly Hills. When the company moved out of the area in 2009 she effectively retired. She greatly appreciated the friendships she established in each of her roles.

Chris was an avid reader, she loved to sew costumes and clothing for Sarah, she enjoyed crafts projects, and she always underestimated her cooking skills.

In 1984 Chris moved to Hermosa Beach where she became girlfriend to Steve Schenker. They married in 1991. In 1992, Sarah, the couple's pride and joy, was born. Although Chris's professional life and accomplishments were important to her, she took on the job of raising Sarah with uncompromised zeal. She was involved with her daughter's young life, and the lives of many of her classmates, as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She later took on organizational leadership positions in Sarah's aquatic sports pursuits in club water polo, high school water polo and high school swimming. Chris didn't limit her efforts to just helping Sarah excel in these endeavors. She took on these roles with the goal of making these activities the best they could be for all who participated. Working with the young people of her community gave her joy, satisfaction and purpose. The magnitude of the impact she made in their lives can still be seen today.

She leaves behind a family and community who already miss her dearly.

A memorial celebration will be held at 10 am on Sunday August 24th in the "Lower Meadow" at the South Coast Botanic Garden on Palos Verdes Penninsula. Please dress comfortably. Flowers can be sent directly to the site on the day of the service or donations can be made to Heal the Bay.