Christine Elisabeth Ehrlich Filpi

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Christine Elizabeth Filpi who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Christine was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Christine knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Christine was born on December 24, 1935 in Germany. Her parents were Johann and Maria (Hoffmann) Ehrlich. Christine was raised in Germany, and remained there until moving to the United Sates in 1983. Even as a youngster, Christine learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Christine was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Christine was raised with one sibling. She had a younger brother, Horst. Christine had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Christine, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

An objective and conscientious individual, Christine reveled in the security of her family. On January 26, 1983 Christine exchanged wedding vows with Pietro Filpi at the Justice of the Peace in Long Island, New York. One of Christine’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Christine was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Christine would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Christine was blessed with two children, Stefan and Eva. She was also blessed with four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Christine approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were painting porcelain, which she would do every chance she got. Christine was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others, which she did by teaching others how to paint porcelain.

Being generous with her time and energy, Christine liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Throughout her later years, Christine was an active member of the China Painting Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Christine used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Christine had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Germany and cruises to Mexico and Bermuda.

When Christine’s husband's retirement finally arrived in November 2001, they were well prepared. Their new life involved relocating after Thanksgiving to Las Vegas, Nevada. In Las Vegas, she found new pleasure in the China Painting Club.

Christine passed away on November 7, 2010 at Nathan Adelson Hospice, after fighting a brave battle against liver cancer. She is survived by her loving husband, Pietro; her children; grandchildren; and great-grandchild. Services were held at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All who knew her would agree that Christine was a wonderful person. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Christine Elizabeth Filpi did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.