Christina C. Waschitsch, 89, died Oct. 4, 2016, in Mosser Nursing Home, Upper Macungie Township, after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive lymphoma.

She was the wife of William F. Waschitsch, who died in 2004.

Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Carmen A. and Barbara (Lettiere) Longo.

Her survivors include daughters Lori, wife of James Kozuch, of Allentown; Wendie Waschitsch, wife of Jim Homan of Exeter Township; Kim Klein of Whitehall; and Adrienne, wife of Blair Newsham of Oley; grandchildren Jenny Kozuch; Nick, Glen Jr., Karly and Hunter Klein; and Zachary Tomasko; and two step-grandchildren Rebecca and Devin Newsham; her younger brother and longest friend Carmen J. Longo, his wife, Catherine, and her beloved sister Joanne Berner, wife of the late George “Howie” Berner, and their loving families.

She was known as Tina to family and friends and later as Chris to her many friends at Country Meadows, where she spent her senior years.

A lifelong resident of Allentown, she attended Sheridan Elementary and Herbst Opportunity schools, Harrison Morton Junior High School and the former Allentown High School.

An honors student, she excelled at softball, badminton and volleyball, and won citywide honors as guard on her basketball team.

Upon graduation from Allen’s commercial program in 1945, she was a bookkeeper while her fiancé, Bill “Tubbs,” served in the Navy.

They married in 1948, and she transitioned to her most rewarding job as a stay-at-home mom.

Once their youngest daughter was in high school, she returned to work at Union Rx until her retirement.

An avid reader, talented seamstress, expert crafter and champion bowler, she had a lifelong passion for gardening and believed in the strength of families, friends and neighbors.

A longtime member of Our Lady Help of Christians Roman Catholic Church, she was instrumental in the early success of its Tricky Trays fundraiser as well as a regular volunteer at church carnivals and in the school cafeteria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 4000, Development Office, Allentown PA 18105 or to Mosser Nursing Home, 1175 Mosser Road, Trexlertown, PA 18087 for their compassionate care.

Arrangements made by Gilbert Funeral Home, Whitehall.