An independent spirit, Christina, Age 76, of Lansing, Michigan, died while doing what she loved, cooking dinner during the evening of Tuesday, March 16, 2026.

A true Michigander, Christina, was born as the oldest of five siblings in Rogers City, Michigan on March 21,1949, to Kermit A. Charron and Rita J. Charron (Creguar). Christina moved to Detroit at a young age, and ultimately grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan along with her siblings, Thomas Charron, David Charron, Jo Lynn Alex and Patricia Polhemus. Christina graduated from Dondero High School in 1967. Life in Royal Oak was heavily influenced by her mother, Rita, who instilled in Christina a passion for advocacy for those less fortunate. Having witnessed the Detroit Riots in 1967, along with the influences of the 1960’s inspired in her compassion for injustices and a drive to support political causes that embraced her views. This passion influenced Christina throughout her life. She attended Michigan State University (MSU), graduating with a BS in Psychology in 1973, and earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) at Grand Valley State University in 1994.

While attending MSU, Christina met her husband, David Vern Riddle. Married for about 20 years, they moved to Traverse City and raised two wonderful children, Dr. Julia A. Riddle (Anthony Valerio), and Dr. Andrew J. Riddle (Dr. Tracy Anderson). Christina committed to the rearing of her children, postponing her career until they were older. Both Julia and Andrew are life-long residents of Traverse City.

Christina moved to Lansing and worked to support the needs and injustices faced by our veterans. As Constituent Relations for the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, she was able to help our Veterans who faced homelessness, health issues and sought resources for various needs for themselves and their families’. During this period, Christina was given the opportunity to become involved with the Vietnam Monument Commission of Michigan as Project Coordinator. She was proud of her work for the commission, as she was responsible for bringing to life Michigan’s Vietnam Monument in Lansing. Her responsibilities were to coordinate the project, from the monument’s conception, seeking architectural designers, obtaining funding, construction and ultimately to the Dedication of the Vietnam Memorial on November 11, 2001. Following her time with the Vietnam Commission, Christina moved to Manistique Michigan where she worked as a Child and Family Therapist at Hiawatha Behavioral Health for the State of Michigan. This role offered her the opportunity to advocate for the needs of many children and families in the Upper Peninsula. She ultimately retired from the State of Michigan in 2013.

For her retirement, Christina moved back to Traverse City to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Nana Christina was very proud of both her children’s career and her eight grandchildren who include Asher Larrance, Roksana Riddle, Maya Riddle, Stella Larrance, Kaitlin Riddle, Alex Riddle, Cameron Riddle and Giovanni Valerio. Family provided the comfort of traditions such as Christmas and family events.

All through her life, Christina embraced the love of travel to places like China and Europe. When not advocating for others, traveling or cooking at home, Christina enjoyed many hobbies, such as sailing and duck hunting. For many years she was an avid cyclist and a member of the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB). During her time with the (LMB), Christina tackled many riding events and proudly rode the DALMAC in 2001. Her advocacy nature meant volunteering with the LMB to establish better bike paths and to develop state and local policies to improve cycling for all people no matter their skills or status. Her love of food finds her kitchen full of recipes, and she always sought any occasion to try new dishes, whether for a friend, family gathering, or a MSU tailgate party. Christina believed in the value of seeking a good time, and embraced meeting with friends and family for any occasion.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to:

League of Michigan Bicyclists, 416 S. Cedar St. Suite A Lansing, MI 48912, www.LMB.org; or

Planned Parenthood of Michigan, P.O. Box 3673, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 fundraising@ppmi.org; or

Feeding America, 161 North Clark Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601, https://give.feedingamerica.org/

As part of her love of life, Christina clipped the following message to be shared upon her passing:

The Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says,

“Grieve not for me. Remember the best times,

The laughter, the song.

The Good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls

The wish for my family and friends I hold dear,

Is to live life to the fullest, do good while you’re here.”

Author Unknown