I met Christine when I moved to Saco in 1985, we became quick friends. I loved her infectious laughter, free spirit, and she was well known for pranks. We took many trips to old Orchard Beach, which usually resulted in a stop to Lisa’s Pizza to get a slice, she was the first to introduce me to the idea of salt and vinegar on french fries. A couple of years later we could be found on many weekends at Sable Oaks, where we would dance to 80s music and have many laughs. We had a lot of innocent fun, and after those trips to Portland we would often stop at Rapid Ray’s for a midnight snack.
Christine could be impulsive as well. I don’t recall exactly who came up with the idea but one afternoon we hired a limousine, traveled to Boston and went to a party on the sovereign of the seas. We had dinner drinks and we danced without a care. I don’t think we had any idea that we looked a bit out of place with our mini skirts high heels and teased blonde hair.
I missed those times, but as time often does, we took different paths. We never lost contact, and always had a wonderful visit when we saw one another. I had the pleasure of taking care of both her father and her at Maine medical Center, when they had their respective kidney transplants. It was wonderful to reconnect with the whole family. I never knew that Christine had health struggles or concerns when we were in our early 20s, she never complained. Years later I came to admire her strength, courage, and determination during those difficult times with so many hospitalizations that both she and her father endured.
I will always remember Christine with a smile and a kind word. My deepest Sympathies to her mother, sisters children and to everybody that knew and loved her.
RIP my friend,
Elizabeth Ames