Christa P. Tharin

Christa (Hemlein) was born on June 20, 1942, in Hettingen, Germany. She was born into a loving family with her father, Otto Hemlein (†1943); her mother, Mathilde Hemlein (†2004); and her brother, Rudolph “Rudi” Hemlein (†2024). She spent her childhood alongside her mother and brother in the beautiful Odenwald region of Germany, surrounded by farms, forests, family, and friends.

Christa earned an associate degree in Health Sciences at Freiburg University. At the age of 19, her life changed forever when she met a young American soldier named George at the local social hall. Their love story began in that small German town, and Christa and George were married in Hettingen on January 20, 1962.

In 1963, Christa left her beloved German homeland to begin a new life in America. George was transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to complete his final tour of military duty. Christa quickly adapted to her new home while ensuring that German traditions and culture would always remain an important part of their family. She famously learned English, in part, by watching television.

The family eventually settled in Tampa, Florida. Their first and only family home was near the newly established St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Christa began working alongside her motherin-law in the office of a local OB/GYN physician. She remained with the practice for more than 15 years and later served as an office manager for several other physicians for another 15 years.

Faith was at the center of Christa’s life. She was a devoted supporter of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and School, where she formed friendships that would last a lifetime. Gifted with the ability to sing both soprano and alto, Christa was a longtime member of the St. Lawrence Choir and a charter member of the Oratorio Society in Tampa.

Christa retired in 1992 at the age of 50 but remained active in her community, volunteering with the St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital Auxiliary. Music continued to bring her great joy, and she especially loved singing alongside George on weekends at the local German restaurant, The Matterhorn.

Christa was a devoted wife, a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, a treasured mother of two, caring Oma to four grandchildren, and a trusted and cherished friend to so many throughout her life.

She found her greatest happiness in the simple things that made life so meaningful: singing in the choir, reading, baking, welcoming people into her home, the soccer mom, traveling, and spending time with her family and closest friends. Her life was deeply rooted in faith, family, tradition, music, and love.

Christa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George N. Tharin IV; her parents, Otto and Mathilde Hemlein; her brother, Rudolph “Rudi” Hemlein.

Christa is survived by her son, George N. Tharin V, and his wife, Julie; their sons, Ryan Tharin and his wife, Monique, and Alec Tharin; her daughter, Patricia McCarron, and her husband, Patrick; and their children, Meghan and Trevor McCarron.

Her surviving family in Germany includes her sister-in-law, Elke Hemlein; her niece, Heike Graf (née Hemlein), and her daughters, Helen and Sophia Graf; her nephew, Joerg Hemlein, and his sons, Luca and Lores Hemlein; her nephew, Michael Hemlein, and his sons, Liam and Phil Hemlein; and her cousin, Jochen Bernauer.

Ruhe in Frieden, Christa. Together again with George.

A Funeral Mass honoring the life of Christa Paula Tharin will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at 5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33614.

Family visitation will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the chapel, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.

Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to gather for a reception in Higgins Hall, located on the church premises, to share memories and celebrate Christa’s life.

At 12:00 noon, the funeral procession will depart from St. Lawrence Catholic Church and proceed to Florida National Cemetery, located at 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513. A graveside service will take place at 1:30 p.m.

Flowers may be delivered to St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33614, on the day of the funeral, Friday, November 13, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Cards, expressions of sympathy, and condolences may be mailed to the family at: 6410 Wilshire Drive Tampa, Florida 33615

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Christa’s honor to St. Lawrence Catholic Church – Ongoing Maintenance & Renovation Fund.

Donations may be made online by visiting www.stlawrence.org and selecting Online Giving – Ongoing Maintenance & Renovation Fund