Christine M. “Chris” Pieper PORTAGE -- Christine M. “Chris” Pieper, age 59, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at her home in Portage, after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by family. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2009 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Chris was born on November 6, 1949 in Visalia, California, the daughter of Enick and Mary (Chavez) Delgado. She married Randy L. Pieper on June 19, 1971. Chris was secretary and dispatcher for the Portage Police Department for over 20 years. She was also a playground supervisor at St. Mary School for many years. Chris was very active in the Relay for Life, preparing many fundraising dinners. She was an excellent caregiver, helping people of all ages whatever their need. She is survived by her husband, Randy; daughter, Amy (R.J.) Cole, Portage; step-daughter, Julie (Dan) Osborne, Grand Marsh; grandchildren, Taylor, Jaden and Sawyer Cole; step-grandchildren, Brandon and Daniel Prew; step-great granddaughter, Autumn; sister, Cathie (Reynaldo) Chavira, Cutler, CA; brothers, Butch Delgado, Cutler, CA, Carlos (Sally) Herrera, Tulare, CA; father-in-law, Leo Pieper, Portage; brothers-in-law, Tom Brown, Portage, Jerry Brown, Madison; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Nathan and her mother-in-law, June Pieper. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established by the family. God saw you getting tired. A cure was not to be, so he out his arms around you and whispered, “Come with me.” With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and watched you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating; hard working hands to test. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. It’s lonely here without you. We miss you more each day. Life doesn’t seem the same since you went away. When times are sad and lonely and everything goes wrong, we seem to hear you whisper, “Cheer up and carry on.” Each time we see your picture you seem to smile and say, “Don’t cry, I’m in God’s hands now. We’ll meet again someday.” |