We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Christine Woodward. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. As we plan in person gatherings, we will share details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Christine was born and raised in northern Virginia but moved to Florida nearly 20 years ago. When she passed on August 9th, 2020 she was just 50 years old. She fought lung cancer last year and then she fought harder when that cancer moved to her brain earlier this summer. She was mother to 10-year-old Bodhi, the joy of her life. She was the beloved daughter of Jill and Lee and step-dad Geoff, and she was a faithful big sister to... see more
Christine was born and raised in northern Virginia but moved to Florida nearly 20 years ago. When she passed on August 9th, 2020 she was just 50 years old. She fought lung cancer last year and then she fought harder when that cancer moved to her brain earlier this summer. She was mother to 10-year-old Bodhi, the joy of her life. She was the beloved daughter of Jill and Lee and step-dad Geoff, and she was a faithful big sister to Brian. She adored her long-time boyfriend and soulmate Tommy, and her circle of steadfast friends was deep and wide.
Chris helped so many people in her short life. She was indefatigable. She was a pillar in the recovery community, to which she dedicated herself both professionally and personally. She had so many meaningful relationships in her life because she built them.
But she had other natural gifts and hobbies. She was an amazing baker. She was a graceful yogi. She made incredible playlists. She was a kick-butt vintage shopper and champion jewelry maker. She was a dedicated meditator. She was a cherished advice giver and had the ability to say the exact right words when others needed to hear them most.
Although she was quick and witty, goofy and fun and shared more cross-eyed Instagram photos than anyone else, she was deeply serious about the things that mattered to her: Family. Friends. Recovery.
I met Christine when I was just a few months sober. She was graceful and badass. I wanted to be like her. She lived in her truth, she exuded peace. She had zero tolerance for BS. She took me under her wing and got me connected with an amazing group of... moreI met Christine when I was just a few months sober. She was graceful and badass. I wanted to be like her. She lived in her truth, she exuded peace. She had zero tolerance for BS. She took me under her wing and got me connected with an amazing group of women who helped me become a woman of integrity in recovery. Christine showed me what it looks like to be a great mother and a great friend. I am a better person for having known her. Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of women whose lives she touched and helped to recover from that hopeless state of mind and body - and when we continue to pass it on and help others, we honor Chris. I wish my baby girl got the chance to know you Christine. You are so missed. less
I’ll always remember when I first met Christine. We go back some years. She always included me in every thing, inviting me to her house for dinner or going to the movies. She always made me feel really loved and heard and appreciated. Even though... moreI’ll always remember when I first met Christine. We go back some years. She always included me in every thing, inviting me to her house for dinner or going to the movies. She always made me feel really loved and heard and appreciated. Even though we’d go periods of time without seeing each other because of busy lives we’d still run into each other all the time at yoga mostly. She was a favorite human. A one of a kind. I’ll really miss her. less
Chris was helpful, and welcoming when we started working together. Except when I would play “I will do anything for love” by Meatloaf. She can’t stand that song. I was amazing how she would tell me about all the concerts she would take her son to... moreChris was helpful, and welcoming when we started working together. Except when I would play “I will do anything for love” by Meatloaf. She can’t stand that song. I was amazing how she would tell me about all the concerts she would take her son to st his age. Her love and dedication to the people around her will never be forgotten. less
I’ve known Chris since she moved to FL about 20 years ago. Over the years, we would lose touch, then I would find her again, and it was like no time had passed. Chris made me feel loved and cared for, and respected. No one could call me out with... moreI’ve known Chris since she moved to FL about 20 years ago. Over the years, we would lose touch, then I would find her again, and it was like no time had passed. Chris made me feel loved and cared for, and respected. No one could call me out with love like Chris. She was a truly special person. If she was your friend, you knew it. I will miss her. less
I only met Christine once, but it was instant love this girl with the beautiful red hair and sparkle in her eyes. Thank you so much Christine, for being an angel to someone that is so special to me.
Claudia Murray
I met Chris when i first moved to Florida, I loved her immediately. She had the most honest, hilarious, accepting soul. I’ve never met anyone else like her. ❤️
I have so many memories of Chris throughout the years, but love my memories from work because she is so strong and intense and unlike anyone else I’ve ever met! Most recently I remember we were both working on a Saturday and had a tough group of girls... moreI have so many memories of Chris throughout the years, but love my memories from work because she is so strong and intense and unlike anyone else I’ve ever met! Most recently I remember we were both working on a Saturday and had a tough group of girls at the time. Chris had group before me so she took the time to address all the craziness that had been going on, calling everybody out, and then we spoke about it after. I just laughed because I knew Chris had it, now I can do something fun and light :-P I loved knowing the clients were gaining from Chris’ story and resilience. I miss her so dearly but take comfort in the fact that she helped thousands of people through her story, her life, and just by being her. less
If there is one thing I wish I could tell Chris is that Bodhi will grow up safe, happy and healthy. I wish I could tell her that I will treat him as one of my own. Chris we will always be cancer sisters. I will fight as long as I can just the way you did.
Four years ago I took a job opportunity and moved down to Florida and I really only knew one other person who came down here with me. Chris was the first friend I made when I came down and she instantly made me feel like we knew each other forever. As... moreFour years ago I took a job opportunity and moved down to Florida and I really only knew one other person who came down here with me. Chris was the first friend I made when I came down and she instantly made me feel like we knew each other forever. As many people have shared it was a pleasure and a special thing to have worked with her and watch her passion to help others. But what I’ll cherish the most are the “small” moments, our shared love of music, the nonsense we would roll over laughing about, just all the day to day interactions that I took for granted but am so grateful for. Chris was truly one of a kind and she will be missed. ❤️ less
Christine kept me sane most days where we worked. I enjoyed all of our lunches together where she would give it to me straight but with compassion. She was so involved in many peoples lives, making them better and brighter. I will miss her unique energy immensely.
One of my favorite memories of Chris was that wherever we went she would shamelessly make us take 100 pictures, hating every single one of them. Tommy was always such a good sport with our yoga pictures, taking as many takes as she requested even when we... moreOne of my favorite memories of Chris was that wherever we went she would shamelessly make us take 100 pictures, hating every single one of them. Tommy was always such a good sport with our yoga pictures, taking as many takes as she requested even when we were sweaty messes. Love you and miss you always Chris. less
Christine Woodward,
You were a force. You were a friend. A very, very dear friend. Here are just a few memories from over the years. I thought we had time to make so many more. You are missed so deeply by so many. I love you.
Kat