On June 4, 1977, God blessed our family with a precious gift, a special child. On March 27, 2001 at the age of 23, and after 6-1/2 years of battling leukemia, she returned to Our Heavenly Father. Christina is now free of pain and is happy in Paradise where we hope to one day be reunited with her. Until then, our memories of Chrissy will sustain us. We will find the strength and courage to move on as we are reminded of the many examples she set for us of true Christianity. Throughout her life, Chrissy always remained positive, finding joy and comfort in the little things of life that are so often taken for granted. Though many obstacles came her way, she continued to strive and set goals for herself. As an infant, she attended the El Paso Rehabilitation Center's infant stimulation classes. While there, she surprised even the doctors who had told her parents that they should consider institutionalizing her because she would be a vegetable. With stimulation, she was able to perform at an age appropriate level through all major child development milestones. Later, she attended classes at the Jose Cardenas Early Childhood Development Center and at the YWCA in San Antonio. At the age of two, she was enrolled at the Easter Seals Program for Down Syndrome children which later was to become the Brighton School. When she turned three years old, she began her public school education with the Northside School District. Among her proudest accomplishments were her graduations from the ALE program at Clark High School in 1996 and her 1998 graduation from the Northside Vocational Training Program. Chrissy loved school, her teachers and friends. The last few years were very difficult for her because of her disease and the numerous side effects of her chemotherapy. She fought with all her strength because getting her diplomas meant so much to her. Chrissy indeed touched many hearts with her contagious smile. She'd make you forget your troubles even if for a few moments. Her examples of love, faith, perseverance, forgiveness and courage exemplify the very special qualities of a true follower of Christ. Chrissy, though our hearts will forever ache for you, we will find comfort and be warmly embraced by your spirit and your love which will never die. Christina was preceded in death by her uncle, Joe Lara. She is survived by her parents, Pete and Mary Alice Gomez; sister, Lindsey; brother, Peter; her maternal grandparents, Jose and Alicia Lara; paternal grandparents, Pedro V. and Lucy Gomez; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. The family would like to offer thanks to the many doctors, nurses, and staff that cared for Chrissy at Santa Rosa Hospital, Methodist Hospital, CTRC, Warm Springs Rehabilitation, and Vista Care Hospice. They would also like to thank their family as well as friends and colleagues from the City of San Antonio and the Northside School District who offered prayers and moral support. Special thanks to our dearest friends, Dorothy Hernandez and daughters for their constant love and support, and to the numerous prayer groups who kept Chrissy and our family in their thoughts and prayers. Rosary will be recited Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 7:00 P.M. at The Angelus Chapel. Funeral Mass will be offered Friday, March 30, 2001 at 9:30 A.M. at St. Dominic's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park North. Arrangements by: The Angelus Funeral Home.

Published in Express-News on Mar. 29, 2001