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Christine Heins Obituary
Christine Mary Heins (Testa) passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2020 at Hartford Hospital after succumbing to the COVID-19 virus. She had been progressing in her physical rehabilitation recovery following surgery that was performed in March before losing her final battle.
Christine was born on May 27, 1959 in New Haven, CT to Anna (Opalinski) Heins and the late Richard B. Heins, Sr. and was the youngest of 5 children. She was predeceased by her sister Karen and is survived by her loving husband Ray Testa, her daughter, Sarah (Brendan) Bell, her grandson, Nathaniel ("Nate"), her sisters, Donna (Heins) Walton, Susan Heins, her brother Richard (Deborah) Heins, her nephew, Eric and niece, Anna, as well as her many cousins.
Christine attended St. Mary's High School in New Haven, later transferring and graduating from West Haven High School. She spent some time living out on the west coast and later embarked on an adventurous cross-country road trip with her Mom as her co-pilot before heading back east. She demonstrated proficiency in her studies in the legal assistant program at Cape Cod Community College. Later, she focused her attention in the kitchen. She worked at UCONN (Storrs) as a chef for approximately 20 years, exhibiting her creative culinary talents with her specialty soups at Chuck and Augie's early on and later continued working in the Student Union in various food areas prior to her retirement. She could transform any food platter into a masterpiece in minutes.
Christine and her husband Ray resided in Willimantic, CT. They were kindred spirits, each loving and supporting the other in every way. They were overjoyed to meet and welcome their grandson, Nate. Both Sarah and Brendan are passing on the reading gene to him. Christine was an avid reader, juggling multiple books simultaneously each week. She, her Mom and daughter exchanged their latest reads regularly.
Christine loved capturing and memorializing walks at the ocean, chilly early morning sunrises in the mist, warm setting-sunsets on the bay, family summer vacations on Cape Cod, music, kittens and puppies (having lost a few dear pets in the not so distant past), and seals bobbing in the ocean waves. She treasured spending as much time as possible with her family most of all.
A memorial service will be held at a future date (to be determined).
For anyone wishing to make a donation, consider the CT Humane Society or CT Food Bank.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christine Heins
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5 Entries
Denise Leonberger-Celli
April 6, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Chrissy´s passing. I know I am way behind on this but I just heard today Patti E. We are devastated and loved Chrissy very much. Many shared meals that we all loved gathered our spool table which David one of our roommates on Mt. Robidoux still has since 1978-79. We all loved cooking together and we still miss our friend Love you all. Denise Leonberger Celli and Patti Ellis
Charles Maresca
June 10, 2020
I am saddened to learn the passing of Christine. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to her entire family during these difficult times.
I fondly remember Christine and the entire Heins family when we all lived in the old Second Avenue neighborhood. I especially remember the good old times at 3rd Avenue Park with her and the warmth of her family being welcoming to all of the kids in the area.
Sincerely,
Charles A. Maresca
Christine Curtiss
June 10, 2020
So sorry for your loss, I am Doris Martin's daughter and having heard my mom talk about Anna Opalinski throughout my life I was very saddened to learn of Christine's passing.
Francine (Lombardozzi) Bergami
June 7, 2020
I remember er the Heins family fondly. I went to Sacred Heart Grammar School with Karen till she transferred to West Haven. Went to SMHS too.remember all the Heins' and what a living family they were. I was at their house often. So sorry for the loss of Christine. Sincerely, Francine (Lombardozzi) Bergami
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