protector of her family and friends. She left us too soon at the age of 53 after a 9 year battle with
cancer.
Christine was born in Paterson, New Jersey to parents Robert Morrell and Jacqueline Stachura.
She had three children, one niece and one grandson that were the joy of her life, Jessie, Mia,
Garrett, Kiwi and Calvin. She was always involved in bettering her community for her kids which
led her to become the mayor of their town, Clinton, NJ. She later was an executive director of
Safe and Sound, a shelter for survivors of domestic abuse. Her passion for helping others was
shared by her husband, Rafael Pajaro.
Christine loved hiking with her family and dogs, Penny and Leo, cooking for her family, going to
the beach with her family, traveling to visit friends and family. It is safe to say family and friends
as close as family were everything to Christine. She loved going on motorcycle road trips with
her husband and exploring the world around her, close and far. She was always able to find the
humor and beauty in life in unexpected places.
She will be missed by many people, especially her husband Rafael Pajaro, parents Jacqueline
Stachura, Robert Morrell and John Stachura, children Jessie, Mia and Garrett Schaumburg,
step-children Simon and Lucas Pajaro, brother Bob Morrell, niece Kyila Morrell, grandson Calvin
Decker, and many others closest to her including Nicole, Talia, Zion, Chris, Miles, Flavia, Patti,
Courtney, Deb, Peg, Marabeth, and countless others whose lives she touched.
There will be a celebration of Christine’s life on Tuesday, April 19th from 1-5 pm with a service at
3pm, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home 63 High St, Newton, NJ. All are invited to send Christine and her family love.
In lieu of flowers Christine wished for a donation to be made in her name to her
favorite charity, The Center for Great Expectations, 19B Dellwood Ln, Somerset, NJ 08873. Online condolences may be offered at www.SmithMcCrackenFuneralHome.com
