Christie Renee Galvin

On the beautiful autumn day of October 24, 1972, this world was blessed with the arrival of a gorgeous baby girl. Terry V. Barber and Geraldine L. (Roberts) Barber welcomed to their family, Christie Renee. She grew up on the family farm, Barber’s Cherry Orchard, located on the peninsula of East Jordan, Michigan—one of the most beautiful places on earth in the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Two years later her baby sister Kellie Marie joined the family. Now their wonderful family was complete. They worked together and played together as one. Whenever you saw one of them, you knew the rest were close by. This closeness was the hallmark of Christie’s family tree, extending back many generations in Northern Michigan. This was her Family, and Family meant something…you were there for each other. With this foundation, we can understand a little of how Christie grew into the strong and vibrant woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend so many have been blessed to know.

The Barber Family had a little piece of paradise on Lake Charlevoix: “Barber Beach”. This is where family and friends gathered to celebrate life and the joy of spending time together. Christie developed her great love of the outdoors and water and all growing things; this love for nature continued throughout her life.

She attended East Jordan Public School, where she participated in many athletic events and was a lifeguard at the Community Pool. After graduation, she attended Central Michigan University where she graduated with a degree in education and sports medicine.

On June 10, 1995 she married her college sweetheart and best friend, Michael Galvin. Christie and Michael had two beloved children, Cooper James (age 11) and Cameron Grace (age 9). The Galvin Family is held together by a contagious combination of energy, love, and faith. The laughter, activity, and unity in the Galvin Family has attracted many people over the years to their life and their home. The Galvins could often be found at triathlons, marathons, gymnastics meets, football fields, wrestling tournaments, school events—anywhere there was action and a motivated group of people working together for a positive goal. Christie was one of the most encouraging cheerleaders many of us will ever know. She inspired us with her zest for life, her courageous and indomitable spirit, and her faithful and generous heart. She was a dedicated fighter and a joyful believer, and she ran the race to the finish. Her 41 years on earth were rich and full, and she brought a light to the world which cannot be diminished.

A funeral Mass for Christie will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, April 5 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orlando, FL.

Those who wish may make a donation in Christie’s memory to a college fund for Cooper and Cameron at: Edward Jones, Metro West Office, 3200 South Hiawassee Rd Suite 204, Orlando, FL 32836. Please be sure to include Cooper and Cameron Galvin in the memo portion of your check. Donations may also be made to Relay for Life/Hunters Creek. Cooper and Cameron will be participating in memory of their Mom this autumn. Please follow the link to make sure it is applied to their account.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/CoopCamGalvin

Arrangements under the direction of Family Funeral Care, Orlando, FL.