Christina Carpenter Obituary
Christina Carpenter was born in Saalfelden, Austria, the day after D-Day in 1944—a fact she proudly shared with many. She loved telling the story of moving to the United States in 1965 after living in Norway for a little over a year and becoming an American citizen. Christina often reminisced about her childhood growing up in a castle in a small Austrian village and never missed the chance to remind strangers: "There are no kangaroos in Austria!".
Christina was married to her beloved and devoted husband, Robert, for over 53 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, and his family welcomed her into theirs. For many years, they returned to her hometown to visit her parents, Barbara and Johann, her brother Karl, and especially her sister Greti (deceased). Despite living oceans apart, Christina maintained close ties with her family, including her three nieces, their spouses and their children, and several dear friends. Christina was twice named Godmother to Greti's family.
Christina was a devoted mother to her daughter Barbara and her husband, Butch, whom she considered more a son than a son-in-law. Her greatest joy was her grandson, affectionately called "the little tyke" or "my little Bobster.". Until he started school, Christina and Robert cared for him nearly every day, filling their lives with immeasurable love and laughter. They also enjoyed watching their Australian Terrier granddogs.
Family and friends were at the heart of Christina's life. She welcomed loved ones from Austria to visit and delighted in showing them America. Barbara will continue hosting these "welcome visits" in her honor. Christina also cherished her European friends, hosting annual gatherings for over 55 years. Even after retiring, she continued to make new friends—at the voting polls, exercise classes, the pool, and the senior center, and some of Barbara & Butch's friends.
Christina had a lifelong passion for skiing, and got Bob on skis for their first winter dates. As soon as Barbara could walk, Christina put her on skis and hit the slopes, often joined by friends. This love of skiing has now passed on to her grandson. Christina also had a deep appreciation of travel. For the past decade, she enjoyed extensive road trips planned by Barbara, creating treasured three-generation adventures across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She especially loved national parks and historic landmarks. After each trip, Christina meticulously documented, typed, and pasted pictures in detailed travel journals—a lasting legacy for her family.
In recent years, Christina faced a rare leukemia in silence, with grace and quiet strength, choosing to keep her struggle private. She never wanted a fuss because having worked as a home care aide for some wonderful families, she knew how to be the best patient. Throughout her life, Christina donated over 11 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross, a cause dear to her heart. In her memory, Barbara asks that you consider donating blood or platelets—you never know when a loved one might need this life-saving gift.
In lieu of flowers, food deliveries or travel, Bob is asking you to consider making a donation of a similar amount to the Norwalk Hospital Whittingham Cancer Center in Christina's name. (34 Maple St, Norwalk, CT 06856). The superb doctors and staff at Norwalk Hospital were meticulous and caring. They miraculously helped Christina, so she was able to enjoy 4 1/2 years from her diagnosis until her very last day, and were so kind and helpful to let her husband and daughter stay the whole time.
Since 1981, Christina's family has celebrated many occasions at St. Philip Church. In that spirit, family and friends are invited to a reception celebrating her life at St. Philip Church (1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk, CT 06851). A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 10 to 11 AM, followed by a Catholic Mass at 11AM. After the service, please join us for lunch. A ZOOM link will be added here, prior to services.
Her ashes will be laid to rest at the family plot in Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Rd., Hartsdale, NY, the next day, December 10, at a time to be announced.
We thank God for only a brief time in hospice that was peaceful and allowed the family to share their final goodbyes.
