Christine Louise Poliski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Christine (Magnan) Poliski on April 12, 2022. She left us too soon at the young age of 49. Chris was born December 22, 1972 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of James and Colleen (Francisco) Magnan and step daughter to Sandy Berish-Magnan. Chris played volleyball for Division III at Albion College and received her Bachelors in Psychology in 1995. She received her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in 2000.

Chris was employed with Family & Children Services in Kalamazoo for many years. She started as a respite care staff after college and due to her impeccable leadership skills and genuine dedication to children and families, she became Director for Respite Services and Director of Youth Development Services for the agency. Chris was loved, trusted and respected by the kids and families she served, by the staff that she supervised and by those in administration that counted on her. Her work ethic and judgment in critical situations was of the highest standard and she is greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege to work with her over the years.

Chris was a loving wife, mother, sister, and aunt. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church where she was involved with parish activities. Chris was always teased by family for being the “little sister” but cherished this role as it brought her immense love and family support. She enjoyed spending every second with her pride and joy, her girls Josie and Izzy, and her two labs. She liked to go on family day trips to Yankee Springs and enjoyed activities with the girls such as gardening, cooking, playing in the Brower’s sandbox, or just spending time in the driveway with all the neighborhood. They loved sleepovers at Papa and Nana’s house. Chris will always be remembered for her warm smile and big laugh.

After Josie was born, Chris and Dan made the decision for Chris to become a full-time stay at home mom. She became a caregiver for many kids over the last eight years, from family to neighbors and other children who came her way by parents’ recommendations. She loved ALL these kids as if they were her own. They truly became part of the Poliski family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Colleen Magnan, and her two dear dogs Sophie and Gracie. On October 16, 2010, she married Dan Poliski, who survives along with her three children Alyssa, Josie, and Isabelle. Also surviving are her three siblings Kim (Scott) Melvin of Kalamazoo, Eric (Ruby) Magnan of Northville, MI, Pam (Todd) Rumler of Kent, OH; and step-siblings Stephanie (John) Berish-Eckley, Joseph (Erin) Berish; in-laws Gary (Tammy) Poliski, Lori (Bruce) Feirick; and several nieces and nephews Sam, Nolan, Jeevan, Maggie, Chethan, Anna and Simran, Abe, Willson, Hudson, Marina, Matt (Danielle), Stephine (Travis), Lindsay, Becky, Rachel, Elizabeth, and Jason (Shelby).

Family and friends will be received from 1-3 and 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, (616) 878-9744. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.