Christine Elizabeth Turner

October 6, 1958 – September 2, 2026

Christine Elizabeth Turner hiked her final trail on September 2, 2026, as she passed away while on her daily neighborhood walk in Yorba Linda.

Born Christine Elizabeth Oney in San Diego, CA on October 6, 1958 to John and Barbara Oney ---- she developed an early love for all creatures in the animal kingdom; especially cats. If you ever needed to hack into one of her online accounts --- using a password that contained one of her childhood cats’ names would be a good start! Her happy childhood was jolted with the sudden death of her mom when she was just nine years old. One would think this tragic event would result in a bitter outlook on the world. On the contrary . . . Christine displayed grace, resilience, and strength to not only endure through this adversity, but eventually thrive. I mean, c’mon --- Christine had permanent smile lines on her beautiful face!

She came to know, love, and accept Jesus into her life in her early teen years, prior to graduating from Saddleback High School in 1976 (Go Roadrunners!). Her life-long passion for travelling was sparked by two trips to Europe during her high school years with the Santa Ana Winds, an ensemble music group. A Bachelor of Science in Economics from UC Irvine (Go Anteaters!) followed before Christine embarked on what really turned out to be two distinct careers.

Career #1 started out at as a Financial Analyst at Ford Aerospace and progressed on to increasing financial roles at McDonnell Douglas and FHP. She paused her successful trek up the ranks to promote herself to full-time mom (more on that later). Career # 2 started once the kids were in school as a part-time administrative assistant for a Wealth Management firm. The initial role allowed her to be completely available for the kids’ schedule. Over time, she took on more and more responsibilities culminating with her sitting for and passing the exam to become a Certified Financial Planner in 2015 at the age of 56. She worked her tuchas off (that’s Yiddish, folks) to pass the CFP exam; the example she displayed in setting and ultimately achieving her goals still resonates with us. Christine was extremely fortunate to spend her final working years utilizing her financial planning and administrative skills for Continuum Consulting where she was respected and valued. She believed in the firm’s mission and dedication to their clients, and loved the people she worked with.

On the personal side, Christine met future husband Jim Turner while at a training class when both worked at McDonnell Douglas. Jim was shocked that the smart, sophisticated, gorgeous, and sneaky-funny Christine agreed (she actually made the first contact) to date. Jim --- smitten after two incredible dates (his opinion) --- did not make it through Date #3; something about “it’s not you, it’s me” was uttered by Christine. Yeah right!! Anyway, somehow they started a friendship that lasted almost 3 years. Now Jim is evidently not the sharpest tool in the shed as he was unaware of Christine’s evolving feelings over time about him until he received a letter from her sharing how her heart had changed. That friendship soon turned to lifelong and eternal love and they were married on November 20, 1993.

Shelby Jean (1996) and Ryan James (1997) completed the family ---- and this is when Christine’s light shined the brightest. She always had a glow about her, but being mom to Shelby and Ryan ignited a sparkle that radiated out. This was the role of her lifetime: if there was an Academy Award, Tony Award, or Emmy for being a mom, she would have won numerous statuettes. She thrived in the simple acts of family life --- reading stories, family hikes, gardening, cooking, playing in the backyard, camping ---- or just sitting by the fire in the living room with the cats. As the kids grew and developed interests; Christine had a front row seat for every at-bat, basket, soccer goal, or volleyball spike. There was not a recital or school awards program missed. Birthdays and special events were to be celebrated, and Christmas allowed her love of traditions ---- both old and new --- to come alive and flourish.

Christine was most proud of how Shelby and Ryan grew up to become the young woman and man that they now are. Shelby is a Senior Keeper of Large Mammals at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, and Ryan is an Investment Analyst for a private credit firm in New York City. It is no coincidence that her influence with two of her passions (animals and finance) has rubbed off on the kids’ chosen professions. More than that, though, is the pride she took on their character and the love that they have found and share with their life partners (Shelby with Alec Anderson; Ryan with Ceryna Baens), and the fact that each of the kids are now the proud parents of cats!

Christine valued the experience of travelling as a means to learn more about a curious world. When single, she solo camped around the U.S. for several weeks, stopping off to visit friends and family along the way. Once the kids were born, she made family vacationing a high priority. The destination was less important than the experience of being together --- although the family was fortunate to go to some very cool spots --- a quick jaunt to the local mountains to camp would be just as special. Family time and creating memories was what was important.

In the ‘Empty Nest’ years, Christine and Jim were able to expand their travel horizons with several European trips, hiking thru Machu Picchu in Peru, crossing several National Parks off their travel ‘bucket’ list to name a few. Sure . . . there were more destinations to dream about and to come, but will remain thankful for those trips.

Christine is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Shelby (Alec Anderson), son Ryan (Ceryna Baens), father and step-mother John and Susie Oney, sister Cindy (Jim Manning), as well as cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews ---- and dear friends. She was predeceased by her mother Barbara Oney and brother Bill Oney.

A Celebration of Life was held to honor Christine on September 20th at Canyon Hills Friends Church in Yorba Linda, followed by a reception at the home that Christine and Jim shared for over 31 years. The love, stories, laughter, and yes ---- tears --- were on full display to commemorate a life well-lived.