If you met Christine “Tina” Saed, you probably haven’t forgotten her. She was one of the most fiery, unique, passionate women in many of our lives. She came out of the womb a fiercely strong, independent little girl on February 19, 1948 and passed away at age 73 on January 22nd, 2022. When Tina was four years old, she swore she would neither marry nor have children, and she didn’t waiver on that promise. But that never meant she was short on love. She maintained a host of friends from every walk of life, was the best aunty to her little sister’s kids, and one of the most beloved cousins, neighbors, and librarians around. With her endless supply of fun hats, her booming laugh and wild stories, she truly was the life of the party everywhere she went. She took close friends and family members on memorable adventures, taught everyone to embrace their weirdest selves, and turned her circle of dearest friends into one large, extended family. After her little sister passed away, she was the woman her nieces could count on to be present at every major milestone as their most spirited cheerleader. Though she was infamously late to everything, you could always count on Tina to show up with charisma, spark wonderful conversations, smile, laugh, dance, eat, drink and celebrate life. 

Growing up, Tina loved to read. She would hide under the covers with a flashlight to avoid parental interference. So it’s no wonder she ended up an Oakland City Public Librarian for over 30 years. Tina was heavily involved in her labor union and successfully negotiated higher wages and better working conditions for Oakland librarians on several occasions throughout her career. She was no stranger to advocating for change.

Determined to swim against the current of normalcy and oppression, Tina campaigned for change constantly. In the 70’s she was the first female student senator at Sacramento State College and brought the Women’s Movement to her campus. She founded Sac State’s Childcare Center, which continues to benefit students 50 years later. On a trip to Europe, she ended up organizing potato farmers to secure them higher wages. In 1984 as a new librarian, Tina networked with graduate students and the Black Panther Party to put the bones down for the Adult Literacy program in Oakland. She helped start the Black Panther Party museum and was a passionate advocate for the anti-racist movement until her last breath. Her vision of possibility and justice, coupled with her electrifying capacity to rally others, helped her to achieve lasting change. 

Tina’s commitment to social justice never interfered with her commitment to her family. She was the second eldest of four children and grew up with her siblings Todd, Paula, and Terry in Fair Oaks, California. Her mother, Katherine was hard-working, kind, and Tina adored her. Tina remained deeply loyal to her family, staying connected to her siblings and their families over the years. She was known lovingly as crazy kooky Aunt Tina by all her nieces and nephews. Her dedication to and love for her family ran deep. She kept their memories alive, continuing to celebrate their birthdays and honoring those who passed any chance she had. 

Tina went out in true-Tina-fashion. The night before her last, a huge windstorm shook the house and took the power out. It felt as though Tina was stirring up trouble for the last time in this life. On Saturday, a parade of people showed up: Tina’s friends from high school and college, cousins, neighbors, some of her dearest loved ones. As the sun set, candles were lit and an ambiance of tranquil energy lingered in her home. Just after Tina took her last breath, at about 10:30pm, the lights suddenly turned on. The power came back. She let it be known that her spirit was lighting up the afterlife party, most likely in the company of her little sister and brother, mother, eldest nephew and many other loved ones. Her dear friend from high school put it best, “Tina, you’ve been the most mischievous angel.” We know she’s at peace now and our memories of her will last many lifetimes.