Christan Ann Gist

Christan Ann DellaRusso Gist
August 25, 1972 – December 31, 2021
Christan passed away unexpectedly on December 31, 2021, at the age of 49. A mother above all else, Christan leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, kindness, and love.
Christan, the daughter of Robert and Terri-dale DellaRusso, was born in Maynard, Massachusetts, where she lived until her sophomore year of high school. Christan then moved to Englewood, Florida, where she met Chad Gist, her future husband. Christan and Chad were married in 1992 and had their first child, daughter Darian, in 1993 while Chad was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Fulfilling Chad's military duties, Christan, Chad, and Darian moved to England in 1994. While in England in 1995, daughter Madison was born. The family returned stateside in 1997 and settled in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, where they added the final member of their family, son Ryan in 1998. In 2008, the family moved to Mt. Lebanon, where the children were raised and attended school. Christan became a hockey mom, a field hockey mom, and a basketball mom. She supported her children in all their endeavors throughout school and became a Penn State mom as each of the children attended school in Happy Valley. She was a "second mother" and close friend to all fortunate enough to know her.
Christan is survived by daughter Darian David (Caleb), daughter Madison Gist, and son Ryan Gist. She is also survived by her dog Pierogi ("Peri") and her granddogs, Spud, Maggie, and Winston.
In addition to her devotion to her family, Christan was an active member of her community. She worked as a pharmacy technician, earning the distinction of Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Pharmacy Technician of the Year in 2019. Always giving, Christan also volunteered at a local food bank and dental clinic and "adopted" children each year to provide Christmas presents.
An eternal optimist, Christan is remembered for her infectious enthusiasm and everlasting smile. Christan loved traveling the world with her family, taking trips to England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, as well as taking the opportunity to travel to any and every city in which her children were living. A music lover, Christan never missed an opportunity to attend a Fleetwood Mac or Dave Matthews Band concert.
Christan already is, and always will be, profoundly missed. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at Il Pizzaiolo, 703 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 on Sunday, January 9, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.