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Maria Cristina Lopez-Bird
1990 - 2015
Maria Cristina Lopez-Bird
1990 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1990
DIED
2015
Maria Lopez-Bird Obituary
Maria Cristina “Cristy” Lopez Bird was granted angel wings on November 13, 2015. Her final moments were spent embraced by her mother, father, brother, sister, and in the company of her aunts, uncle, and a few close friends.
Cristy is survived by her mother, Kathleen Bird and husband, Mike Bruckert of Palm Coast, FL; her father, Antonio Lopez and wife Emma Manich-Lopez of Miami, FL; brother, Antonio Luis Lopez; sister, Kathleen “Bibi” Lopez; paternal grandparents, Antonio and Estella Lopez of San Juan, PR; aunts, uncles, and many cousins. Cristy is preceded in death by her younger sister, Sarah Elisa Lopez; maternal grandparents, Esteban D. Bird and Marjorie Callaghan.
Cristy was born on August 31, 1990 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She graduated from University of North Florida in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Deaf Studies and American Sign Language Interpretation.
Cristy was an accomplished sign language interpreter and volunteered often. She was an inspiring young woman who loved to travel and was passionate about helping others. She thrived on new experiences and challenges.
Cristy influenced countless people in her short life. Her illness was a challenge yet one of which that did not hinder her will to live an adventurous and compassionate life.
She loved her family and cherished her friends. Her presence was a gift and a blessing to all of those who knew her and of those who knew of her. We will miss her and she will remain forever in our hearts.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, November 19th at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, FL from 5:00-7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 20th, at Nativity Catholic Church, 3255 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, FL at 12noon. The burial will follow at Oaklawn Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Cristy’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
https://www.cff.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joe & Debbi Manich
December 16, 2015
Te conocimos apenas hace un año, pero nos encariñamos contigo immediatamente. Admiramos tu determinación de pelear por tu vida, pero a la misma vez vimos evidencia de tu bondad y tu trabajo para otros aun con todas las cosas que tenias que sobrepasar debido a tu condición. Te queremos y te extrañaremos mucho.
Joe & Debbi Manich
December 15, 2015
Cristy, te conocimos apenas hace un a
Gaby Naveira
December 9, 2015
What is the fondest memory we have of Cristy? Might be a little difficult seeing as we have so many. Cristy was an inspiring, strong, lovable, selfless person that truly became an inspiration to many of us here and many more across the world. She would light up a room wherever she went and loved spending time with family and friends. She always put others before herself and was the biggest clown we have ever met. Without a doubt in our mind, she is truly our hero and we admire and love her so much.
Whenever we were around Cristy, we found ourselves feeling at peace, always smiling and having a great time. To us, she never showed signs of weakness or sadness and always worried about others. It was always a slap in the face of reality whenever we heard about Cristy being sick, having a bad day or seeing her in a hospital room. And even when she was sick or felt bad, she always worried about how all of us were and always took a second to tell us she loved us very much and told us everything was going to be OK. She truly loved us very much and always looked out for us whenever she could.
I think some of my fondest memories of Cristy are when we spent our summers in Puerto Rico in our family reunion. I always looked forward to see our many cousins, spend time with them and always have great time. Every morning, most of the cousins would wake up very early and go to breakfast. However, it was common knowledge that the Lopez-Bird's would always wake up a couple of hours later. I remember us waiting restlessly until they opened the blinds for their room so we could barge in and spend time with every single one of them. Between Cristy's jokes, Sarahs's smile, Bibi's laugh, Antonio's pranks, and Titi Kathy's and Tio Pusio's care and love for everyone, it was always a fun and joyous experience to head into the Lopez-Bird household. I remember sitting in Cristy's bed, smiling and laughing with everyone as Cristy and Sarah did their morning therapy. I remember Titi Kathy cracking jokes with all of us as she prepared their medicine, got their chocolate Boost or their Welchitos and prepared their Eggo Waffles. I remember that Tio Pusio was not yet awake and Antonio wanting to keep sleeping. I remember Bibi laying next to Sarah laughing and making sure her sisters were OK and having a good time. We were all young, silly, innocent, and full of hope and time seemed to be never ending. Cristy lit up the room with many laughs and jokes and always made sure we were having a good time. Ever since we were young she wanted to know more about our lives and wanted to make sure we were all happy and enjoying our lives together as a family. She loved each and every single one us dearly as we did she. She is by far the strongest, most courageous and selfless person I know and I will forever love and miss her dearly. Without a doubt in my mind, she is my true hero. - Gaby
One of my other fondest memories of Cristy was every year on August 31st. I would always wake up eager to celebrate my birthday but even more excited to talk to Cristy about hers and hear the excitement in her voice as she celebrated one more year of life. I remember it was always a joke to us, we would call each other and wish each other the happiest of birthdays and even count down the days to what we called the best day of the year. We would ask each other what we were doing to celebrate and I remember how she would always start her birthday by going somewhere to eat with her family because that was her favorite part, spending time with her family. Then she would go on to explain how she was celebrating with her crazy friends who never left her side but, most importantly, she always made sure I knew how much she loved me and how I should always celebrate my birthday to the fullest because, for her, it was always an accomplishment. It never really hit me that those phone calls could end any year but, unfortunately, that time has come and from now on it is my duty to celebrate every August 31st for the both of us. It was an honor to share my birthday with such a strong, inspirational, and beautiful person. We may never be able to celebrate August 31st together again but, for me, it will always be OUR special day - Isa
We cannot even describe the space that Cristy occupies in our heart. She will always be our cousin, our inspiration and truly our hero. She inspires us to be the best people we can be and to always fight for what we want, no matter what may come in our way. It puts us at peace to know she is finally breathing up in Heaven, smiling and having a nice laugh with Sarah. We will forever love and miss you deeply Critter.
See you soon
Gaby & Isa
December 4, 2015
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Paola Rivera
December 3, 2015
Cristy was my soulmate, my bestfriend, my sunshine, my girl. Only God knows how much I miss her and the enourmous part of my heart she took with her. I just saw this page and saw how wonderful was for everyone to know her, it really is a priviledge to have been part of her life. This message could never hold all the memories we created and all the love and laughter and tears and life we shared. I could never put it into words. I MISS YOU too much, Cristy. Many of those memories we spent with others, but the majority it was just us, and I will treasure them always. She opened up to me about everything and made me feel like the most special person in the world. We learned so much from each other. Cristy was like no other, she was the most compassionate, caring, loving, understanding and just overall beautiful person I have ever known. She loved hard and she never gave up. I admired her spirit. Even when she litterally couldnt breathe, she was willing to help another and hold them up. We all have so much to learn from her. I know you are right beside me and I can feel you, and that gives me some comfort during these days, the hardest ones I have ever lived. I look forward to the day I see you again in heaven. Te amo y te extraño por siempre.
Isa Vallecillo
November 20, 2015
Saying I love you is an understatement. I'll miss you and love you girlie, forever and ever. #fCF #CFsucks
Senior Prom Academia María Reina
November 20, 2015
Inés Marchany
November 20, 2015
Querida Cristy
Siempre tendrás un lugar muy especial en mi corazón. Recuerdo como si fuera ayer a la joven alegre y traviesa que eras; y como fuiste evolucionando hasta convertirte en una mujer. Te admiro porque aún en la adversidad, con mucha calma y serenidad alcanzaste paso a paso lo que te proponías! Gracias por ofrecerle tan bonita amistad a Gabriela y gracias por todas las veces que honraste nuestro hogar con tu presencia! Un abrazo bien grande para tí Kathy, Bibi, Antonio y Pusio. Dios les de mucha fortaleza en estos momentos de tristeza.
Michele Fernandez
November 20, 2015
My name is Michele Fernandez. You don't know me, but I had the pleasure of meeting Cristy on graduation day while taking a picture of my daughter Ana Fernandez and Cristy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Ellyn McDonald
November 19, 2015
Cristy was my roommate and my first friend I made at UNF. I will always remember her as the laughing, happy, smart, caring, genuine person that she was. Our favorite thing to do together was get Taco Bell and sneak it into the movies on Sunday. Never in my life have I met someone so positive and upbeat, her passion for life is and always be an inspiration to me.
Patricia
November 19, 2015
Mi queridisima Cristy,
De 'mis nenas', tu sabes bien que siempre fuiste una predilecta. Nunca olvidare la primera clase de baile en que te conoci...yo era solo una asistente comenzando a enseñar, y de repente, me converti en tu complice de travesuras... y como me divertia! Esa sonrisa sin igual y esa cabecita siempre tramando la proxima aventura. Como imaginar entonces que aquello era el preambulo de una vida llena de aventuras maravillosas! No habia obstaculo, ni siquiera entonces, que fuese imposible de superar. (Ni un 'entrechat'! :) A traves de los años, te vi crecer y convertirte en una mujer ejemplar...que orgullo siento de haberte conocido y haber formado parte de tu vida! Todavia recuerdo aquel paseo por la playa de Destin junto a Bibi y Kathy cuando celebrabamos una de tus muchas victorias... Que muchos corazones tocaste mi querida Cristy, y que triste se queda el mio de no poderte dar otro de esos abrazos apretados que siempre sabias dar. Pero me queda el consuelo de que, junto a mi querida Sarita por fin podran bailar, correr, y respirar aire puro y sin dolor.
Las quiero mucho y saben, como siempre les decia: Una vez lo fueron, POR SIEMPRE seran 'mis nenas'. Gracias Cristy, por tu cariño y tu sonrisa. La tendre siempre grabada en el corazon. Te quiere siempre,
Caridad Nacer
November 19, 2015
María Cristina, nuestra querida Cristy vuela alto. Fuimos dichoso lo que tuvimos el privilegio de que fueras parte de nuestras vida y nos enseñaras como disfrutarla al máximo. Fuiste una luchadora incansable, cuantas cosas nos enseñaste. Cada momento lleno de tu risa contagiosa. Ya no más dolor. Nos queda la tranquilidad de esta en un lugar donde respira aire limpio y junto a tu adorable hermana Sara. Ruego que junto a Dios y la Virgencita le des la fortaleza y tranquilidad a tus amado Padres, a tus queridos Hermanos, toda tu familia y a todas nosotras que te queremos con todo el corazón. Hoy vives en nuestro corazones por siempre Campeona.
Sisi Lopez
November 19, 2015
Cristy...que dificil se me ha hecho hacer estas maletas para salir para Orlando a tu ultima despedida aqui en la tierra, Donde quiera que veo estas tu ...tu cuarto seguira siendo el cuarto de Cristy..aqui donde hago siempre mis maletas de viaje. Pero este es tu viaje sabes...un viaje donde tu no necesitas maletas ni nada y ademas donde vas a vivir en la eternidad y me esperaras con esa sonrisa y esos abrazos que siempre que venias me dabas tan Fuertes..aqui se queda tu olor nuestras conversaciones a veces solas y otras con Sisita .Nuestros chistes e imitaciones que tanto haciamos....tus maquinas de terapias que todavia andan por ahi.Tus idas al closet de SIsita para ver que me pongo TIti? Te encantaba entrar y buscar algo para ponerte y salir con tus amigas que te alcaguetiaban tanto,,,,,No faltaba el a que hora vienes de Tio....siempre pendiente a ti. Tu no sabes la falta tan grande que me vas a hacer.....Pero como yo CREO en un DIos MARAVILLOSO del que muchas veces hablamos y de un CIelo que tu me preguntastes una ves TITI como sera el cielo y te explique lo que tu ya sabias pues me da tranquilidad porque tu SI estabas preparada. Tu mision yo te lo dije fue una tan bonita y grande aqui en la tierra que supistes hacerla a perfeccion. Fuistes la luz que llego a esta familia para tenernos unidos y alegres..poque donde tu estabas siempre habia alegria,
Doy Gracias Señor por ti SImplemente irrepetible y UNICA.. Goza de la paz eterna y junto a Sarah respira y velanos a todos desde ese cielo tan maravilloso ...Te quiero hasta el infinito y lo que me Consuela es que tu lo sabias mi niña.......Dios te Bendiga y la VIrgen te tenga en su regazo, Amen
Ron and Ginny Bruckert
November 19, 2015
We only knew Christy for a relatively short period, but in that time she made a lasting impression on our family. It is truly amazing that such a young person could have the wisdom and passion for life that she always displayed. In spite of all she had been thru and was going thru she always had a smile on her face and kindness toward all people she encountered. To state she was an inspiration to other people is a big understatement. Knowing Christy has changed the way we look at life for the better. We are sorry that Christy is no longer with us on earth, but happy that she is with God and will make heaven an even better place with her presence there.
Ron and Ginny Bruckert
November 19, 2015
We only knew Christy for a relatively short time, but in that time she made a lasting impression on our family. It is truly amazing that someone so young could have the wisdom and passion for life that Christy always displayed. In spite of all she had been thru, and was going thru she always had a smile on her face and displayed kindness to all people she encountered. To state that she was an inspiration to others is a gross understatement. Knowing Christy has changed the way we look at life for the far better. We are sorry that Christy is not with us on earth any longer, but very happy that she is with God and will make heaven and even better place because of her presence there.
Marian Thompson
November 19, 2015
Cristy se nos hace difícil decirte adios hoy. Pero sabemos que estas junto a Dios y la Virgen ya respirando como nunca pudistes aquí. Te recordaremos siempre como una verdadera luchadora. Vivistes tu 25 años al máximo y nos enseñastes como lograr lo que nos proponemos. Te queremos mucho Cristy!! Cuidanos a todos desde el cielo junto a Sarah. Hasta luego mi adorada Cristy!!
Manana y Stephen
Jenny Bell
November 19, 2015
Christy,
I will miss you. I will. My first memory of you was in Hawaii. The known picture of you standing on the rails on Top of Diamond Head. The stories that you told of the trip. I loved your adventurous self. You signed up for anything or everything that we did. It was never a second thought and you were always willing to do it. You encourage people to be themselves by being open about yours. You inspired so many people not only that you met in life but around the world. I am thankful that I got to know you for a short amount of time because you impacted my life more than you will ever know. You made me make myself a better person and to know that life is to short to live a boring life.
I will be always praying over you and your family. I love you Christy
Verena Pohn
November 18, 2015
Breath easy salty angel...
Love Verena with Family
Danielle Prokash
November 18, 2015
Sorry for your loss. I have a sister that suffers from cf. I cherish every day she is here. This disease is horrible. It takes those we love way too soon.
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Shaneel Hudson
November 18, 2015
Cristy, you had a calm adventurous spirit. You were kind and sweet to be around, you laughed often and were very into your family and close friends. I am terribly saddened to hear of your passing. I pray that you find eternal rest. Love your former dorm mate.-Shaneel
Maí Vizcarrondo
November 18, 2015
El impacto de la vida de Cristy y de Sarah en toda la gente que les conoció, al igual que en muchos que solo conocieron de ellas por sus retos y por sus logros, perdurará por siempre. Ellas, al igual que su familia, fueron y siguen siendo un ejemplo de amor, de perseverancia, de esperanza y de belleza interior. Siempre tendremos dos ángeles recordándonos que la vida puede ser corta y difícil, pero siempre es especial. Confiamos en que Dios les premiará con el consuelo y la fortaleza que necesitan. Cristy y Sarah respiran libremente y están sonriendo desde el cielo. Los queremos mucho! Maí Vizcarrondo y Frankie Mirandes
Nancy Osborn
November 18, 2015
Kathy,
Cristy was a joy for me to know and to love. Over the past several years, she was one of the first to volunteer to help at various interpreting events. She would show up early and stay late. She loved sign language, deaf people, and pursuing her passion. She inspired me with her smile, her never-quit attitude, and her quiet way of getting things done. I was so proud of her graduating in May. I saw her last in August and we chatted about what might come next. She was always looking ahead and thinking about the future. Her positive outlook on life was a "candle in the dark" for many of us. May God's Spirit comfort your heart as you walk through these difficult and painful days, months, years. Thank you for raising an amazing daughter and sharing her with the rest of us, even for such a short time. Love to you and your family.
Michelle Rowe-Lewis
November 18, 2015
Kathy, I wish I had the chance to meet your beautiful Cristy. By all accounts she was an amazing daughter, sister and friend. I've learned so much more about CF and what a horrible mean disease it is over the last couple of years. I was over the moon when the kidney transplant was successful and obsessed with hope that a lung transplant was eminent. I loved her Salty Girl picture. How brave and honorable it was for her to pose and tell her story. She has made such a powerful difference in the world during her 25 years! You must be bursting with pride.
I'm not sure you remember me from St John's. It was so many years ago and I left in 1977 to move to The Philippines. We both had siblings born in 75....13 yrs our junior. You were a good friend to me (I was very shy back then). I'm mentioning this because I want to remind you of our past connection. Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart aches for your loss. You are truly amazing. God Bless!
Noel Wojnar
November 18, 2015
So sorry for your loss she was an inspiration for every thing she went through and stayed so strong and accomplished so much
mariellen Callaghan
November 18, 2015
Words are very difficult to explain how badly my heart breaks for you Kathy, Pusio,Bibi, and Antonio....must feel like a nightmare for you all. The only comforting thing I can say is that all of you are in my prayers, and I truly believe with my whole heart she is happy with Sarah, as they both breathe effortlessly. Love you all
Norma Jean Colberg
November 18, 2015
Soy Norma Jean, Jean Jean, siempre los recuerdo y guardo en mi corazón. Desde Miramar reciban un abrazo de aliento toda la familia. Me faltan palabras para consolarlos. Pediré mucho por paz en los corazones de Kathy y Pusio, Pusito y Estela, así como Sisi, Tita y Chema. También supe de la nena de Gugu y Eduardo. Reciban tambien mis condolencias Tuntin, Mari, Toñi y tambien Feyita y a la bisabuela de Cristy tambien la tengo en mis oraciones.
Blanquita Nater
November 18, 2015
Que Dios les bendiga y les de mucha fortaleza. Un abrazo
Jose Nater
November 18, 2015
DIOS TODO PODEROSO DERRAME BENDICIONES Y MUCHA PAZ SOBRE LA FAMILIA DE CHRISTY.
Barbara Mills
November 18, 2015
I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your beautiful daughter. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you at this most difficult time.
Enita Acevedo
November 18, 2015
Solo un ser especial, el amor y entrega incondicional de una madre y el frente unido de una familia..... logra lo que muchos llaman imposible... desde larga distancia unirnos a todos en esperanza, rezos, tristeza, alegría y fe.
Cristy, que en paz descanses ❤
Sandy Baba
November 17, 2015
My heart is aching for you and your family,,,her beautiful face will always be remembered.,,with my love ,Sandy Baba
Alicia Marti
November 17, 2015
Pensar en Cristy es sonrreir, es enegia, es amor y alegria. Asi, la recordare por siempre, en un lugar muy especial de mi corazon. Se que estas muy bien junto a Sarah, tus primos y demas seres queridos. Dios te Bendiga y conserve muy cerquita de El. Cristy...yo voy a ti!
Te querre por siempre!!!
Rosita Hernandez
November 17, 2015
Un ángel de PAZ ha entrado a la GLORIA . Alegremosnos en el Señor.
Fortaleza y esperanza a los que la amaron. En nombre de Jesús,Amén
olga davies
November 17, 2015
todo my carino y bendiciones en estos dias . solo el amor de nuestro senor Jesucristo este con toda la familia . olga Davies
Marirosa Lamas-Perez
November 17, 2015
My deepest sympathies. May God grant you peace.
Muriel Toucey
November 17, 2015
My prayers and condolences go out to the entire family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Kimberly aburto
November 17, 2015
Sending my condolences to the entire family. My heart aches for your loss and I send many prayers your way. She touched many lives with her vibrant spirit and contagious smile. Rest in peace Cristy, breath easy.
Sandra Medina
November 17, 2015
Dear Cathy
I am Tata Irma's niece, Sandra.
We are so saddened by your loss. You are in our hearts and in our prayers. Know that you are loved by our family and we feel your loss as if was our.
God bless you and be with you.
Sandra
nika santonino
November 17, 2015
Although I have never met you sweet girl, I feel as if I have may you spread your laughter and love in heaven you will be missed by many.
Paulette Gonzalez
November 17, 2015
A pesar que no los veo hace tiempo me he mantenido pendiente de la salud de Cristy y no saben la tristeza que siento un abrazo Poly
Ray & Julie Claude
November 17, 2015
I never knew Cristy personally but I grew to admire her strength and courage and the love expressed by her family and friends. She is in the presence of GOD now and her pain is gone. RIP Cristy.
Tosha Dearbone
November 17, 2015
I would like to send my condolences to the family as I met you all when Lil Sara was here at TCH. I grew to know both girls very well. Cristy you made my heart melt each time you accomplished something in the midst of your trials. You were a strong woman that conquered many obstacles and I will never forget you. You now have your wings and you have reunited with my other Lil friend. I love yall dearly. "SHORTY "
Jo Vanyo
November 17, 2015
such a beautiful young girl - my thoughts and prayers go out to the family
Paige Schiller
November 17, 2015
It was an honor and a blessing having our paths cross last year in Rochester, New York working as interpreters. We spent many hours together laughing, talking about relationships, and eating tacos. She was a truly inspirational young woman, always with a smile on her face and a friendly hug to give. She will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege to meet her. Breathe easy, my dear friend.
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