Christine Gaskell

Christine Gaskell
August 20, 1969 – August 26, 2024
Christine began her life at Doctor's Hospital in Manhattan, NY in the summer of 1969. Her first love was a pony named Cinnamon, when she was ten years old and her family lived in Wisconsin. She was an avid vegetarian even at that young age and grew up to be a lifelong animal protector. As an adult, Chris rescued many dogs, including several senior dogs to whom she gave love and care in their last years.
Chris graduated from Fairfield High School in 1988 and continued her education at Mitchell College in New London, CT and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. She spent several years in Florida, before ultimately returning to Connecticut to be closer to her family.
Chris had a very strong work ethic. She had multiple careers, including hospitality management, horticulturist and most recently in water safety. Her dedication and commitment to each position that she had was unwavering.
She continued to create and maintain beautiful gardens until the end of her life. She could grow flowers just by looking at them, and she could take the tiniest branch from a shrub and grow it into a gorgeous plant bursting with color.
In her leisure time, Chris was a master adventurist. In her youth, she sailed the Caribbean. For several years when she was in Arizona, she parachuted out of planes every weekend. She hiked the Grand Canyon and scuba-dived sunken ships in the ocean. She was also an accomplished martial artist, having recently received her Red Belt. Chris loved fashion and even earned a fashion design degree while in Florida. She was always dressed to the nines.
Chris was predeceased by her father, Ellis Gaskell. She is survived by her mother Jackie Gaskell; her sister, Cathy Solsaa and her husband Eric; her nephew Ryan; nieces Emma, Greta and Ingrid as well as her beloved dog Ezra.
Christine's family and friends will greatly miss her infectious laugh, her kindness and limitless generosity. A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.
To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.