Christine Dora Stevens

Christine – wonderful and loving daughter, sister, wife and mother – passed into the outstretched arms of her Lord and Savior early in the morning on December 3rd, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She was 49 years young.   She was born Christine Dora Kaleel on December 9th, 1965 in Boston, Massachusetts; however, she and her family soon moved west, spending the majority of her life in Southern California.  She attended Villa Park High School and later graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of California, Irvine (UCI).    She worked a number of years for Rockwell International (later part of the Boeing Company) in the challenging field of contract pricing and negotiation, where she was regularly commended for her financial acumen and dedication. It was during this time in her life she met her husband, settled in Yorba Linda and shortly thereafter became the proud mother of two beautiful girls.   Christine retired early from Boeing and enjoyed being a full-time mother and volunteer, giving much of herself to the elementary, middle and high school activities of her children. Two of her favorites were the booster clubs for dance and cross country.  She regularly attended church and enjoyed spending time in women’s small groups and bible studies.   Every summer Christine could be found at the beach with family and friends, relaxing in the warm Southern California sun.   She also enjoyed celebrating the holidays, her generous and loving spirit bringing joy to those around her.   Christine is survived by: her husband, (Thomas) Kyle Stevens; daughters Amanda and Kyra; parents, Ted and Salwa Kaleel; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Bill Cooper; niece and nephew, Brooke and Ryan Cooper; also, her beloved cousins and relatives.   She was laid to rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, California on December 10th, 2015.  A celebration of Christine’s life was held at Canyon Hills Friends Church in Yorba Linda, California on December 13th, 2015.  Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or any of its philanthropic affiliates at http://donate.cancer.org.