Born in New Bedford, she had been a resident of Fairhaven for 20 years and was a graduate of Fairhaven High School.
She was the loving daughter of Donald and Anna (Calaca) Taber of Acushnet and sister of Bryan Taber and his wife Tiffany of Hanson, MA and Keith Taber and his wife Larken of Middlesex, VT. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Christy’s passing was sudden and unexpected. She developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and multiple organ failure due to H1N1 influenza infection, along with other complications. The family is grateful for the care she received, especially from the attentive team in the ICU at Massachusetts General.
Christy was part of the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative family and was an inspiration to staff, students and consumers.
Christy was a hard worker, who was employed by several businesses over the years, including McDonald’s, Red Lobster, Shaw’s, Mike’s Restaurant and Market Basket. She also volunteered her time at United Front Day Care, Our Lady's Haven in Fairhaven, and the Collaborative's Supporting Adults for Inclusive Living (SAIL) program office. She was also a member of the Human Rights Committee.
In 1994, Christy achieved a lifelong goal to live independently with two roommates. Christy was a strong advocate for herself and other individuals with disabilities. Her determination and independence led to the development of the SAIL program, a legacy that has benefited many individuals over the years.
Christy received numerous awards throughout her lifetime including the Eagle Pin for exemplary work from Red Lobster, the James Sokolove Personal Best Award which honors young people with disabilities who have overcome great obstacles to achieve personal triumphs, and the 2011 SMEC/SAIL “Individual of the Year” award. In addition, Christy was honored at the Massachusetts State House with the award “A Tribute to Those Who Contribute” for her accomplishments.
Christy loved to travel and went on several national and international trips with her friends. She was also a huge sports fan; she loved the Red Sox, Providence Bruins, and wrestling and participated in Special Olympics herself. Most of all, Christy loved animals, children and her family. She was loved by everyone whose life she touched and she will be dearly missed by so many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 10AM-1PM at the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Prayer Service at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to SMEC’s SAIL program in Christy’s name. Checks can be sent to: Southeastern MA Educational Collaborative, 12 Welby Road, New Bedford, MA 02745.
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