Christine P. Gapa

Christine Gapa was born on April 7, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to the late John and Anna Matey. Loving mother of the late Christopher (the late Kathleen Hanlon), John (the late Itha Ploszewski), the late Nancy, Paul (the late Robin Acosta), Karen (Bill Winkle), Timothy (Naomi Shaheen), Bridget, the late Bernadette (Tim Furton) and Anne Marie. Dearest grandmother of Shelley, Colleen, Michael, Jason, Tristan, Ariana, Sarah, Lizzie, Tomas, Clara, Victoria, Mark, Kylie, and Joseph. Loving great-grandmother of 12. Beloved great-great-grandmother of 6.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents John and Anna Matey, her husband Earl E. Gapa, her children Christopher, Nancy, and Bernadette, her siblings Geraldine Madison and Roman (Ray) Matey, and her granddaughter LaRi. Also survived by many other loving family and friends.

Christine grew up in Detroit attending St. Francis Grade School and St. Casimir High School, graduating in 1948. Christine met and later married her high school sweetheart Earl Gapa. Their love endured for 50 years, until Earl's death in 2001.

A basketball standout at St. Casimir, playing when the girls' team was only allowed 3 passes, legend has it that Christine scored 36 points one night. After high school and marriage, Earl and Christine's family began to grow bringing them to Taylor, Michigan in 1956 to raise their ever-expanding brood. The couple went on to have 9 children.

An active member of St. Alfred's Parish, Christine coached grade school basketball at the school for 10 years alongside her husband Earl. A devout Catholic, she attended mass regularly and offered many prayers through the years for those she loved. Christine also loved her Detroit Tigers and trips to the casino. But most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends and spoiling her grandkids. Her quick wit and sense of humor was legendary.

In a household filled with chaos and love, Christine always made sure the Gapa home was a warm and welcoming place for everyone who walked through the door.

Christine had the brightest smile and the bluest eyes that held a little mischievous sparkle. She will be missed by many.

Donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Detroit. Please share memories and leave condolences on Christine's guestbook on her tribute wall.

Visitation Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. Rosary at the Taylor Chapel of Voran Funeral Home, 23750 Goddard Road. (313) 291-1800. In state at St. Alfred's Catholic Church, 9350 S. Telegraph Road, Taylor on Monday 9:30 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection to follow. Private interment at St. Hedwig Cemetery where she will rest next to her loving husband Earl.