Christina Marie Conner

Christina Marie Conner, died unexpectedly at age 25, Wednesday, August 17, 2022, surrounded by family at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Christina was born on June 4, 1997, in Traverse City to Geri L. (Fabiszak) Conner and William E. Conner, Jr.

She grew up in Traverse City and graduated in the top ten of her class from Kalkaska High School in 2015, and was an active member of the National Honor Society. She continued her education by completing her Associate of Science Degree at Northwestern Michigan College in 2017, again graduating with honors. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University. In December 2019, because of her excellence in academics, she was chosen to be a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars representing the commitment to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. She was set to begin her Masters of Science Degree this Fall. She dreamed of being an Occupational Therapist working within the schools to benefit students with disabilities.

Christina loved animals, and wanted to save every stray cat she came across. She also loved fishing (she always released her catches). She was clever, quick-witted and determined. On July 4, 2022, she became engaged to Dustin McDonald of Rapid City and was looking forward to marrying the love of her life.

While attending Michigan State University, when she was not attending to the rigors of college life, Christina worked as a research assistant for an astronomy professor. Since college graduation her most recent jobs were working as a paraeducator within special education and Title One programs in Howell, Elk Rapids, and Northwest Education School Districts. She was perceptive and sensitive to the needs of her students and was deeply loved.

Christina is survived by her parents, Geri and William Conner, sisters, Katy and Debbie Conner, brother, Steven Conner, fiancé Dustin McDonald, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents, her Uncle Steven Fabiszak, and her Great Aunt Rose Anne Petsch.

Any memorials should be directed to the family.

A graveside funeral service for Christina will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens on Veterans Drive in Traverse City. Friends and family are invited to the Conner home at 263 Peach Tree Drive, Traverse City, immediately following the burial for a luncheon.