Christina Maria Morkin
Christina Maria Morkin, 54, passed away at her LaGrange home in the loving arms of her five adoring children and devoted husband on the early morning of November 19th, 2020. Christina (Christy) was born on July 26th, 1966 to her remarkable parents, Joseph and Nancy Haen in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In 1988, Christy graduated from Augustana College just a year behind her husband, Mike, with majors in both Sociology and Political Science. After undergrad, Christy continued her education at the University of Illinois to obtain her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in 1991. She went on to work at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy as a Development Officer, supporting programs with Maya Angelou, Edward Teller, James Lovell, and Rosa Parks. Christy loved the simple miracles of life: fresh bedsheets, a burning hot cup of coffee, evening get-togethers on the porch with her friends, a tasteful black turtleneck, her morning newspaper, family dinners, a warm fireplace during the winter. In her 54 years, Christy loved more than most will love in twice as long. She loved her parents, her parish community, her kids’ friends and their families, the LaGrange area community and her amazing and supportive friends. Above all other admirations she had with the world, and she found so many, she treasured her family the most. She taught her five children the importance of community, service, and treating every person with respect, humanity, and, above all, kindness. She enlightened them never to count another person’s blessings but always to be content with their own. She shared her strong faith with them in bedtime prayer, dinner conversation, and the fortitude of her continuous optimism in her belief and trust in the Catholic church and God’s plan. Christy was enthralled by her children’s successes and smiled infinitely through every nerve-racking inning pitched, lengthy dance recital, drawn-out soccer tournament, unviewable cross-country race, and mis-sung songs at voice recitals. Before her passing, Christy reminded her family that they were her life’s work. Christy is survived by her husband of 31 years, Michael Lee Morkin, and her five children, Hannah Haen, Michael Joseph, Madeline Ann, Virginia Grace, and William Henry, her parents Joseph and Nancy Haen, and three brothers Mike (Diane), Rick (Diane), and Steve. A private funeral will be held on Saturday November 28th at Noon at St. Francis Xavier Church in LaGrange. It will be live-streamed for friends and family everywhere using Chrome, not Explorer or Safari, at https://www.facebook.com/SFXParish.LG. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Legacy Guild (thelegacyguild.com) “in loving memory of Chris Morkin.” Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com
I was among those privileged and blessed to have shared life moments with such a warm likable person. She touched all who knew her.
I pray for her family who will miss her the most, but hopefully be enriched the most for having been a part of her life and character
I too was privileged and blessed to be able to call Chris my friend(as we called her at tennis). We were able to go on several girls tennis trips together and enjoy her great sense of humor, valuable parenting advice and hear great thing about her husband and kids. I feel her children’s pain as I too lost my mother when she was just 54 to illness. It has been 25years and yes there is a huge void. But hold tight to your siblings and dad and continue to live our amazing mother’s life work. She is truly missed already. 💔
My beloved friend, dear Chris , I only had a few days together with you, but you entered my heart and soul immediately and you became my friend. I will miss you and love you forever. Dear Mike, I send you all the love and strength in the world, to you and your amazing family. I m here for you, with all my heart, even from far away.
Dear FAMIKLY
She will be forever remembered as LOVE and PEOPLE FIRST!!!!
Steve French
Beautiful friend—beautiful life.
Love to her amazing family
You have our sympathy Joe & Nancy..it hurts to loose a love one…Kermit & Mary Ann ( Abts ) Bourain
We knew Christie and Mike from college. No one said a bad word about Christie, a rare thing those days. She was kind to everyone and an absolute delight to know. It was a privilege to know her and she certainly has left a legacy to remember. Mike, our prayers go out to you and the kids. Just know your OZO brothers are always here for support. Peace and strength to you in this time. Love you guys.
Dear Mike and family, it is heart breaking for me to receive these sad news. We had such a short time together, but from the moment we met, it was obvious that she is all what you wrote about her, and much more. I will always remember her. All my love .
Solly (Nogs’s friend)
I am so sad to hear this news. I was blessed to work with Chris at IMSA years ago. She was a talented professional and a wonderful colleague. I am so thankful that our paths in life crossed. Travel well on the other side, dear Chris. Comfort, peace, and love to your family.
Dear Mike and Family – I’m so saddened and sorry to hear of Christy’s passing. Every memory I have of her from our days at Augustana have her with a broad and very genuine smile. She was one of those people that could light up a room. It’s uplifting to know that your life together was a continuation of that same happiness and joy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dear Mike and Family – I am so sorry to hear of Christy’s passing. From the note above, I can readily tell that she pursued a life worth living, and it did it with grace and purpose. She will live on in your hearts down here on earth. I hope to get the chance to meet her one day in heaven!
I treasure the memories I shared with Christy and Mike when i was the Catholic chaplain at Augie. and had the blessing of presiding at their wedding. She, Mike and the family are in my heart and I shall be with them on Saturday in spirit. A great loss. Father B.sj
My heart goes out to you Mike and your family. Christy and I pledged COG together at Augustana. She was such a special, loving person who has touched so many lives. I will forever remember her beautiful smile and kindness to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Even in this photograph, Christie radiates like the sunshine that she was… She selflessly cast her warmth and love on everyone she touched, including a distant friend like me. Today is Thanksgiving, just days after she left us, and I’m giving “thanks” for the lasting and fulfilling friendship she gave my sister Lisa Baize. My heart and sympathies go out to her beloved family….
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.
My most cherished memories of working at IMSA for 22 years were the years I worked with Chris. Her work ethic was second to none and she had a heart of gold. I learned so much from her and trily respected her as a professional, as a wife, sister, daughter, mother and dear friend. I have so many fond memories with her and will carry those in my heart forever. Most of all, I will always remember how she lifted me up when my own husband died- I gained strength from her strength and wisdom. She was a rare and dear soul on this Earth and I was blessed to have known and loved her. Will continue to pray for Mike and her beautiful children.
This is so beautifully-written. Christy, you will be missed with our remaining time in this life. I look forward to seeing you again in the next. Love, Alex
We were deeply saddened to hear this news. We will remember Chris for her infectious smile, kind words, positive attitude and endless energy. Know she and you all have been in our prayers these past few months and will continue to be. The world is a better place because of her and her legacy lives on in her beautiful family. Love, support, prayers, positive energy and friendship to Mike, the Morkin children, and Chris’ family and friends. Caroline & Mark Dillon
Christy, my beloved friend, taught me many valuable life lessons through her example. I have always admired her kindness, humor, intelligence, generosity, humility, and “broad shoulders” that so many of us leaned on. I will always cherish the time we shared with family, friends, and just the two of us. Your legacy is great and your impact on the world thrives. My love to Mike and the kids, her everything.
Christy was a beautiful and kind person. She loved her family and was so proud of the legacy she helped create. We were all blessed to have Christy in our family. Our hearts go out to Mike; the kids; and Joe and Nancy and family.
A college classmate, neighbor, fellow parishioner and friend. Left this world far too soon RIP