Obituaries
Christine L. Chromiak, 57, of Catasauqua, PA, passed peacefully at her parent’s home on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Though Chris could be stubborn and somewhat unorthodox in her manner, it was generally agreed that her unusual approach to life often made things more interesting. Chris loved learning, etymology, poetry, nature, wildlife, the arts, storytelling, and a good laugh. Reared in the small industrial town of Catasauqua outside of Allentown, she had a good mix of suburban, rural, and urban experiences. Though she reveled in theater, music, reading, and writing; Chris also appreciated science, politics, and history.
She graduated from Catasauqua HS where she participated in drama, chorus, and band. She graduated with a BA in English from Shippensburg University, where she made lifelong theater friends- “the Masquers.” After working in unusual jobs at East Penn Sanitation as a secretary, NationsCredit as a Foreclosure Specialist, and Mack Trucks in various capacities in the human resources department, Chris decided to become a teacher. Going to school at night she earned certification from East Stroudsburg University, and taught in Northampton before moving to Connecticut and working the bulk of her career at North Haven Middle School in North Haven, Connecticut where she taught Language Arts and worked with the school’s Drama Cooperative. In her classroom, she worked to make creative and fun lessons that gave her students foundational skills in reading critically and writing clearly. She continued her education receiving an MLIS from Southern Connecticut University. Libraries and research were important to her. Chris also was a side kick on her husband’s radio show- the Lost Discs Radio Show - for over 20 years, and enjoyed collecting vintage vinyl with him.
Upon receiving the diagnosis of ALS, Chris once again put herself in learning mode. She organized, educated, and prepared to deal with her illness. She and her husband sold their home and moved in with her parents where her family took care of her changing needs. Friends near and far rallied around her showing the best side of human kind. Chris also became a member of the larger ALS community which consisted of - as she liked to say - “people you would love to know.” She was involved in research trials, which she hoped would one day find a cure for patients with this fatal diagnosis.
Chris is survived by her husband Jeff Rhone, who lovingly cared for her through this devastating illness, and her devoted poodle Sweet Polly Red Rhomiak. She is also survived by her amazing parents Virginia “Gin” and Robert “Wabs” Chromiak, brothers Gregg (Donna), Gary (Toni), and sisters Leslie (Mike) and Jane (Neil), and on her husband’s side of the family Gary (Roseann), as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Chris will be remembered for her creativity and the stories she loved to tell, her lovely, infectious, laugh, and the joy she found in nature.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc., 234 Walnut St., Catasauqua, PA. 18032. A funeral service will follow in the parlor at 12:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to: ALS Mid Atlantic or ASPCA c/o Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memories and condolences for the family may be shared at www.brubakerfuneralhome.com. Brubaker Funeral Home of Catasauqua is entrusted with the arrangements.
Previous Events
Visitation
7
Sep
234 Walnut Street
Catasauqua, PA 18032
Funeral Service
7
Sep
234 Walnut Street
Catasauqua, PA 18032
