Christine Michelle Traynor

Christine Michelle Traynor
September 25, 1971 – September 30, 2025
Our beloved daughter, Christine Michelle Traynor, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, at Advent Hospital in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by the compassionate care of the hospital's hospice staff and the quiet prayers of her family. Her passing followed a brief but courageous battle with cancer, which she faced with the same strength, grace, and determination that defined her life.
Christine was born on September 25, 1971, at St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Colleen and James Traynor, now of The Villages, Florida. From the moment she arrived, Christine brought joy, laughter, and light into our lives.
She is survived by her loving parents, her two devoted brothers, Steven C. of Wellington, FL, and Christopher J. (Anna) of Wesley Chapel, FL, and her three cherished children: Nathan Ketelsen of Gainesville, FL, Lauren Ketelsen of Tampa, FL, and Evelyn Ketelsen, also of Tampa, FL. She also leaves behind her faithful companion, Chewy, who was never far from her side.
Christine's life was a beautiful journey marked by service, adventure, and love. A graduate of Valley Regional High School in Deep River, Connecticut, Class of 1990, she attended Central Connecticut State University before answering a higher calling, to serve her country. In 1993, she enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing basic training, she attended personnel administration school at Shaw AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, and went on to serve with distinction at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, during the Gulf War era, attaining the rank of Airman First Class. Her commitment, discipline, and patriotism were a source of great pride to our family.
After returning to the United States, Christine completed her military service at Malmstrom AFB in Montana and later continued her love of travel and service as a flight attendant for Northwest Orient Airlines.
Christine lived life with an open heart and adventurous spirit. She ran marathons, including one through the vineyards of France, and poured her energy into helping others as a special needs educator in the Land O'Lakes area of Florida. She touched countless young lives with her patience, empathy, and gentle humor.
A lifelong learner, Christine earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Business Administration from American Continental University.
Christine's warmth, generosity, and boundless love will remain with all who were blessed to know her. Her laughter will echo in our hearts, her kindness will inspire us, and her memory will forever be a light that guides her family and friends.
Final arrangements for interment will be December 8th, at 1:00pm at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes prior.
Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Christine is now at peace - her pain eased, her spirit free, and her love eternal.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to your charity of choice.