Christine Sue Glendening

July 19th, 1953 - July 11th, 2020

Christine's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Christine here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

The Just 5 Days program has been held at Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School for fifteen years. Chris has always been our main point of contact at the school and has always hosted a worksite for our youth participants. She has been a beautiful example of service, faith, and courage to our middle school participants! The entire Just Five Days community will keep the Glendening Family and the Lake Michigan Catholic School Community in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathleen O'Connor

July 22nd, 2020 at 12:10am

Dear Larry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have been away from my email for about a week now and am so sorry for your loss. My car has been in the repair shop and I have been without a vehicle Wednesday and Thursday so I am sorry that I could not be there in person. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I know you have a guardian angel looking out for you from heaven. I lit a candle for Chris and your entire family and I pray that God will comfort you at this time. I was so blessed to have known Chris and I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you. Sincerely, Dane Whipple

Dane Whipple

July 16th, 2020 at 12:59pm

Dear Larry and Family, We have all lost a wonderful woman who touched so many lives with her kind heart and infectious smile. Our Lake Michigan Catholic family has been blessed for so many years from Chris's hard work and dedication towards Catholic education. Her energy and commitment for raising funds for our kids and so many others at LMC was a true blessing. Chris is now with her Lord and at peace. She wants all of us to continue the great work that she so lovingly gave to our kids and the LMC Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God Bless! Kurt and Helen Marzke

Kurt Marzke

July 16th, 2020 at 10:26am

I am so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. She was a very special lady and a beautiful soul. My years of knowing her go way back to when our children were small and we first became part of the Laker family, many years ago. I’ve always admired her energy, thoughtfulness and kindness. My final memory of her came back in the spring when we had the last of our many wonderful chats at the elementary school. Chris had a heart of gold and was loved by so many. She will be truly missed. Chris and her entire family are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Karen Garavalia

Karen Garavalia

July 16th, 2020 at 9:47am

Larry and Family, Our deepest sympathy and prayers for strength are extended to all of you in this difficult time. Chris was one of the people that just got things done. I think I can safely say that she helped keep Catholic education alive in the Twin Cities due to her tireless fundraising activities. God bless her as she enjoys her eternal reward for such a great life lived. Doug and Chris McQuillan

Doug and Chris McQuillan

July 16th, 2020 at 9:16am

The Ugalde family wishes to extend our condolences to Chris' family. Chris was my friend. She was a joy to work with through the 8 years I had the pleasure of being beside her during the annual 4 months leading up to the LMC auction. We got to know each other well; meeting clients, eating lunches, sharing life stories. She always had a bag full of treats and after-school-snacks for her granddaughters and my girls waiting for work to finish. We laughed so hard after she talked me into dressing-up one year as the Monopoly man for an auction theme and we had a blast that night as a group. We are shocked that Chris is gone, and as neighbors, will miss seeing her out and about tending her beautiful garden. Our prayers are with all of you at this time, Larry. She's left a void that will never be filled the same way, nor meet with the same success as Chris did at LMC. Her passing was way too early and will affect us all for a long time. Our deepest condolences, Josh Ugalde & Family

Josh Ugalde

July 15th, 2020 at 5:24pm

Larry, Ryan, Amber and Allan, and Family, Please know that we are so saddened by Chris leaving us so soon. We know she had suffered, but we knew she gave her all. We shall remember her for her overwhelming sense of helping others and her all-consuming support of Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. No one was better at what they did than was Chris did with LMC events, especially the SCENE Auction. In addition, she was a friend to so many, she will be missed considerably. All our thoughts and prayers and love. Mike and Suellen Siglow

Suellen Siglow

July 15th, 2020 at 5:11pm

I am so sad to hear the news of Chris’ passing and am very sorry for your loss. Chris was an extremely kind, generous, hard working woman who will be dearly missed. I met her in 2015 just after I moved to St. Joseph, started working at LMC, and was pregnant with my first child. Everyone was very warm and welcoming to me and made me feel right at home, including Chris. She knew that I was new in town and didn’t have family nearby, so she repeatedly extended offers to help in any way she could if I ever needed it and gave me her phone number. I gave birth to my daughter, Selin, about 4 months after settling into my new community and my husband needed to get something to eat but would not leave my side because he didn’t want to leave me alone. I needed a visitor to keep me company and wasn’t sure who to call. I didn’t have many close friends at that time but Chris had been so friendly and generous that I felt comfortable enough to call her and ask if she would visit. She had just finished a brunch with her family after church and needed a little time, but she did what she needed to and was at the hospital in no time to visit, keep me company, and be the first person outside of the hospital to hold my daughter and admire her. It meant a lot to me and was a very special moment. The piggy bank she gave Selin is still in her room, decorating her book shelf and collecting coins. Chris was a very special person who deeply touched the lives of so many. She worked tirelessly and uplifted those who had the great privilege of knowing her. May she Rest In Peace.

Bethany Ergican

July 15th, 2020 at 1:49pm

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Chris! It has been my pleasure to know her and work with her. Our conversations were fun and very memoriable. Her love for our school was immeasurable. Her smiling face, even during adversity, was a treasured gift. Her strength and love for our Savior was inspiring. I will miss her deeply. Prayers for all of the family. She suffers no more and is in the loving arms of Jesus. Hugs to everyone:) Sherrie Styx

Sherrie Styx

July 14th, 2020 at 11:14pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chris in this time of grief. Chris was a friend to our family, as Don, Dixie and Sharon worked for her and her father at Hertz in the Benton Harbor airport the the gift shop at the Holiday Inn. Chris was always wonderful to us and we are very sad to hear of her passing. May her family be comforted knowing how well liked and respected she was, and how much she will be missed by all who knew her. Our hope is the wonderful memories of her will comfort Larry and the rest of her family during this difficult time. The Hauht Family

Sharon Hauht

July 14th, 2020 at 9:09pm

Larry and family, This is such sad news. Chris was an amazing Christian woman who worked hard for her family, friends and of course, the school. She fought an incredible battle with such dignity, grace and faith. I believe she is in a better place with no pain, no more doctors, no more drives to Chicago, no more anxiety - just peace. The lost is harder when someone makes such an impact on others. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to our St. Joseph community.

Susan Mason McGalliard

July 14th, 2020 at 10:13am

Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Having just lost our 43 year old son in May, we know there are no words to adequately express our condolences. Chris and I (Julie) went to Lake Michigan Catholic (St. Joseph Catholic) together from elementary through high school graduation. We had many fun times together at our respective homes as kids. I remember when your boys were born and how happy they made both of you, and how Chris loved being a wife and mom. May God surround your family with his perfect peace and love. Sam and Julie (Dongvillo) Countess

Julianna Countess

July 14th, 2020 at 9:07am

Being the Drama “Mom” for the last several years put me right there next to Chris for many many nights. I enjoyed our talks and time together. I was always eager to help her out knowing how much she did for the Laker family. One of my favorite tasks she trusted me with was setting up the Crèche (Nativity scene) and the Christmas tree outside her office. Chris, you were one of a kind and I cannot fathom that there is ANYONE on this planet that can do the job you did so effortlessly and passionately for LMC. God truly broke the mold with you. You have worked tirelessly when you were exhausted, yet persevered. I admired you for your wholehearted dedication to everyone, especially the children of Lake Michigan Catholic! ❤️ We should all be so lucky to walk through the Pearly Gates being such a true servant of our Lord

Valerie Krieger

July 14th, 2020 at 1:16am

Working with Chris for 13 years, I got to know her very well. She was a person of extreme faith, strength and commitment to her family, her church and her extended LMC family. She was one of the most hard working and dedicated person I have ever known. She was tough, and every decision was made for the benefit of the school that she loved so dearly. In her final years she amazed us all with her determination to beat cancer, never missing a beat even though she felt so badly. For all of us who know Chris well, it was obvious the deep love she held for Larry, her sons and particularly her two granddaughters. They were a light in her life, and drove so much of her work at the school. She wanted the Laker legacy to continue for them, and worked very hard to keep that alive. She also loved to talk about the weekend sleepovers with them and how much fun they were. I know that Chris is in Heaven and in peace. She fought the good fight, but God had a different plan for her. I am sure when he welcomed her into his kingdom, he told her well done, you touched so many lives and it is now time for you to rest. Larry, may God bless you, and know that Karen and I will continue to pray for you and your family as you grieve this loss. God Bless, John & Karen Berlin