Christine G. Wilk

Knowing that the end was near, Christine G. Lukas Wilk wrote her own obituary as follows;
“This is not meant to be a traditional obituary, but rather a thank you note to all who made my life as wonderful as it was.
I begin, of course, with my husband, Robert P Wilk, who loved me throughout our nearly 50 year love affair, and nursed me through my final days with a tenderness beyond words. He made me a better and stronger woman and shared with me a romance that will last our eternity.
My life was shaped by the abundant care and unconditional love of my parents, Charles and Anita Lukas, who raised me into a strong, independent and educated woman, and for this I have been ever grateful.
My brother, Charles (Bud) Lukas, and his wonderful wife, Kristina (Winiarz) Lukas, have always been an integral part of my life and I thank them and will always love them unequivocally. I will miss them and their sons; Jeffrey and David Lukas, Jeffrey’s caring wife, Debbie (Kempsty) Lukas, and their two amazing daughter’s, Gabriella and Ashley. I am saddened to know that I will not see them become the amazing women they are destined to be.
In addition, my husband’s brother John Wilk, who pre-deceased us, blessed us with three nephews; John Wilk Jr., Mark Wilk and Edward Wilk, as well as our beloved niece Rosemarie (Wilk) Kingsbury, who has been a stalwart figure in our lives. She, along with her husband, Lance Kingsbury, and children; Lily, Vivian, and Mason have enriched our lives greatly.
There are many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Blanchard, Lukas, Wilk, and Stefanski families – too numerous to name – but I want to thank all of them for being kind and good people to me and to those I love. You have each embellished our lives.
Family does not always come by blood relation, and so it was with Jillian Everson. Jillian is the daughter we never thought we would have. She married David Everson and they have given us three beautiful grandchildren; Brielle, Monroe and Tripp. And they are the light of our lives.
Now, what life would be full without friends? And indeed I have been blessed with many. Bob and I have had long, true friends who have graced our lives for decades and shared so much with us; Ilene Barone, Pete Siladi, Marney Daubenspeck, Nina and Drew Masi, The Marcinowski Family; Tony, Beth, Lauren, Mike, Aunt Judy, Patty Hayman, and Alan Hunter, Vince Carmano and his beautiful wife Dina who predeceased us.
You are the friends of a lifetime and each of you has meant more than words can say. Thank you for sharing your love, laughter, and friendship with me.
Bob and I were also very fortunate to form bright and unexpected friendships in our Retirement; Adam and Deb Mocciolo, and Kevin and Judy Osborne– with you we shared great times, lively conversations, and loving bonds. I am comforted to know that your friendships will continue to nurture Bob now that I am gone.
And finally, my colleagues and coworkers have fulfilled my life. Having spent 36 years teaching in the City of Chicopee, 22 of those years CCHS. Among my wonderful colleagues at CCHS I especially want to thank James Clark and Paul Midura. I was also fortunate to teach at STCC, HCC and Springfield College with supportive and respected colleagues.
Now, to the business of dying—In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund or Boston Children’s Hospital.
In closing, yes, my life has been great. And it has been because of each of you who have guided, nurtured and loved me.
I love you, Bobby. And will wait for you in our eternity.”
“As Christine’s husband, I will elucidate.
What my lovely bride did not realize is that since I must be the one to submit her self-authored obituary, I intend to take this opportunity to have my say. And although I am sure to misplace my commas, I will give her true ado.
Christine was an incredibly accomplished woman. She could sail, ski, and fish. And she had me hook, line and sinker. She had a bachelor’s degree in education when we met and taught tirelessly as a public school teacher. Even after we were married she continued her education, achieving Masters’ degrees in both Counseling and Education, as well as Certificates in Computer Science and Math… she clearly found me riveting. Throughout her years of dedicated service as a teacher, she also found the time and heart to teach ESL classes at local community college’s, all while making time travel, entertain, and take admirable care of several relatives and both of our dear mothers’ until each of their passing.
And when we inadvertently became ‘bonus parents’, and subsequently, infatuated grandparents, she took special care to spoil those children to their hearts content.
When she finally coerced me into retirement we truly made the most of it. We traveled wherever she said we should, learned to fly fish, and cultivated new friendships. Her smile warmed me, her company entertained me and her love fulfilled me. She took care of me – not the other way around.
Christine loved incomparably, gave generously, and always – always – told you when you’re grammar was incorrect.”
Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 5-7 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Parish, Maple St. East Longmeadow, MA. For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com

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