Unable are the Loved to die

For Love is immortality

- Emily Dickenson

Age 81, of Centerville, Massachusetts, passed away on July 30th 2024 with her loving family by her side. Christine was the beloved wife of the late Frederic T. Hersey. Together they created a life full of love, family, and friends. Christine was the devoted stepmother of Keith (Mona) Hersey of Marblehead and Christopher Hersey of Marblehead; the dedicated sister of Ida Wye (Richard Coco) of Georgetown, Lisa O'Connell (Brian) of Wakefield, Bob (Nancy) Thompson of Colorado, and the late Dan (Denise) Thompson of California; and the proud adoring Nonni to her three wonderful grandsons Joshua, Oliver, and Alexander Hersey. She cherished her nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, extended family, and her many dear and loving friends. She was predeceased by her parents Frances Serafini Wye and John Thompson.

Christine was comforted by, and shared memories with, friends and family who were privileged to share in her life and care. She created a deeply engaged and generous life, a welcoming home, fully immersed herself in her community, and was a great friend and benefactor to many.

Christine was a trailblazer and had a successful and noteworthy career in retail and management. During retirement she shared her kindness and warmth with those in need at Rosie's Place, tutored inmates at the local jail to help them earn GEDs, volunteered at the hospital thrift store, donated her whimsical artwork for community fundraisers, supported a variety of charitable causes, and rescued many cats.

Christine relished doting on and spending time with all the children in her life. She had a great laugh and sense of humor. She was beautiful, fashionable, and impeccable. She was an elegant hostess and enjoyed entertaining and generously welcoming friends and family to her home. She loved traveling to the UK, Italy, France, Portugal, Hong Kong, Mexico, tropical islands, and across the US. Ever adventurous, she loved the thrill of sailing, riding in glider planes, and taking a helicopter over the Grand Canyon. She delighted in going to plays, musical theater, the ballet, and museums – and taking everyone along with her. She gave many cats a wonderful home. She created beautiful hand-crafted pieces of stained glass and folk art, had her own decorative painting business, and enjoyed going to the beach and collecting driftwood and shells for her art projects. She often attended auctions and antique shows and delighted in 'the hunt'.

Christine's optimism and resilience were an inspiration. She loved her life and everyone in it. Her strength of spirit was remarkable. She refused to let illness steal her joy and enthusiasm for life. She never complained, and she was grateful for every day. She faced every challenge with grace, dignity, and determination. She was extremely thankful to the people who assisted with her care, visited with her, and brought happiness and levity to her last years. Her 80th birthday celebration was a wonderful occasion that brought her tremendous happiness.

We miss her dearly, and she will be in our hearts every day.

Our family is grateful to all the caregivers and close friends who were there for Christine. We are especially thankful to Fred Parenteau for the remarkable, selfless sacrifice he extended to her during her final years; to Erin Murphy for her excellent daily care and compassion; and to Betty Task and Diane Martin for many years of friendship and companionship.

Family and friends are invited to gather together on September 25th for a service at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 11:30AM followed by a celebration of life luncheon at The Wharf Restaurant in Falmouth. Please consider a donation to either The McCarthy Care Center in East Sandwich, the Cape Wellness Collaborative in South Yarmouth, or an animal rescue of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Bartlett Funeral Home in Plymouth.