Christine Virginia Accomando, age 86, of Clinton Township, Michigan, and formerly of Madison Heights and Rose City, Michigan, transitioned from this life peacefully with family by her side at home on March 5, 2024.
Christine’s life journey was a testament to bravery, strength, resilience, and fortitude. She was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to her late parents John and Ruth Stoinski. The early years of her life were marked with challenges, yet she faced them head-on, emerging as a true fighter. She lived most of her young life growing up in Detroit, Michigan.
Christine approached life with a grace, rarely speaking a harsh word about anyone (even those she didn’t like), embodying a spirit of kindness and understanding. She quickly could become a friend to anyone she met.
Family was the cornerstone of Christine’s life; her unwavering dedication to them was unparalleled. She was married for 53 years to her late husband, Ascenzio “Jim” Accomando who preceded her in death in 2009. Together they raised 6 children, who she leaves behind; Maria Bender (Ken), Steve Accomando (Joyce), John Accomando (Susan), Ruth Franzoni (the late Pete), Kathleen Hallas (Gary), and David Accomando. Christine is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 12 nieces and nephews, and two bonus children Debra Sword (the late Paul) and Christopher Comerford. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Bednarski.
Christine was a beacon of independence, cherishing her freedom. Following the death of her husband, she returned to the Detroit area to be near family, but strived in enjoying her ability to do things for herself. She was always ready for fun or adventure, whether it was grandchildren’s events, trips or travel excursions with her kids, she always had a bag packed ready to go. She would try anything once. Even as illness set in and she lived with 4 different types of cancer, she was not a complainer, and lived to maintain her quality of life.
Christine loved old movies and big band music, especially the tunes of Johnny Mathis and Dean Martin. Her love for chocolates, admiration for Wonder Woman, and fascination with elephants added unique facets to her vibrant personality.
A devout Catholic, she embraced her faith, devoting herself to the Blessed Mother with daily rosary prayers. She spent years participating in church choir and also was involved as a Lioness with the Lions Club. Her devout faith allowed her to seek joy in life with service to others. Christine also celebrated the richness of cultural variety, embracing her Polish heritage while adopting the Sicilian way of life through her marriage. She was truly one of a kind, and will be deeply missed.
An instate will take place on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 10:30 AM, until time of funeral mass at 12 PM at SS. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Catholic Church, 41233 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314. She will be laid to rest with her late husband at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to Henry Ford Hospice.
