Christine M. Cantillon

Christine Marie "Chris" (Kaszuba) Cantillon, of Marblehead, MA, passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2025. Born on February 25, 1942, in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Genevieve (Podgorski) Kaszuba. She was 83.

Chris was the beloved wife of James Cantillon, with whom she shared nearly 60 years of marriage. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy and D'Youville College in Buffalo.

Described as classy, sweet, creative, funny, supportive, lovely, outgoing, and gentle, Chris was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. Her interests included cooking, home decorating, and gardening, all of which she pursued with passion and skill. Chris had a natural flair for creativity, excelling in sewing, decorating and later, pursuing a career in interior design. Her artistic talents extended to painting, sketching, and nurturing her beautiful gardens, where she took great pride in her herbs and vegetables and loved sharing the harvest.

Chris and Jim's love story began in Buffalo under the most serendipitous of circumstances. She was watching him play ball at a picnic and while chasing a foul ball, Jim tumbled into Chris’ lap. He held onto the ball and they have held on to each other ever since. They married in 1965, moved to Rochester, NY and raised their family there, with a brief period in Toronto. A new job brought them to the North Shore of Boston in 1984, where Chris and Jim fully embraced the beauty of their new ocean community.

A true "people person," Chris cherished conversations and storytelling, always showing genuine interest in others. She possessed a rare ability to truly listen and remember, evident in her thoughtful gestures and detailed recollections.

A lifelong teacher, Chris began her career instructing first-grade students in Buffalo, many of whom attended her wedding. She continued to share her knowledge throughout her life, whether exchanging recipes with family and friends, offering gentle decorating advice, or imparting kitchen and gardening wisdom to her children and grandchildren.

Chris cherished conversations and storytelling. Family and friends appreciated that like a fine wine, the stories got better with time. Known for her kindness, Chris often shared "Three Compliments a Day" with strangers, leaving a lasting impression on those she met. Despite health challenges, she found joy in everyday pleasures, especially visits to her favorite North Shore spots, Chandler Hovey Park, Devereux Beach and the Red Steps, with her beach chair, thermos and husband in tow.

Chris is survived by her loving family: children, Amy (Thomas) Imhoff, with grandchildren Yannick and Elena of Marblehead and Andrew (Susan) Cantillon, with grandchildren Owen, Charles, and Hugh of Milton, MA; brother, Gregory (Jeanne) Kaszuba, with nephews Matthew and Mark of Orlando, FL. In addition, Chris was blessed with a sisterhood she shared growing up with her two cousins Anne Louise Duggan of Baltimore and Valerie Oliver of Cincinnati.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Care Dimensions and also the dedicated and compassionate group of caretakers who provided exceptional care.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 11, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street with a service following at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions by going to Memorial Donations at https://giving.caredimensions.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Cantillon family may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.