Christine "Chris" Harding

Christine Harding (Ammirati) (Spampinato), a vibrant, loving, and endlessly curious soul, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at the age of 73, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by family and love in Mission Viejo, California.

Born into a warm and close-knit Italian family in Brooklyn, New York, Christine was raised on Grant Street in Farmingdale, Long Island-a neighborhood where aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends were never more than a few doors away. Known affectionately as "the smartest one on the street," Christine's sharp mind and generous heart stood out from a young age.

Her academic journey took her to Albany State and later to Brockport, New York, where she earned a Master's in Education. Christine began her career as a middle school math teacher in Le Roy, New York, where she touched the lives of countless students with her patience, intelligence, and compassion. Tired of snow but never of new experiences, she packed her bags in 1977 and headed west to California-a decision that would open the next exciting chapter of her life.

In California, Christine transitioned into the business world, rising to become the head of customer service, as well as part-owner, for Paciolan Systems, a leading ticketing software company. While working full time, she earned her MBA from Pepperdine University-yet another testament to her drive and love of learning.

Ultimately, Christine returned to her first love-teaching. She joined the faculty at Saddleback Community College, where she continued to share her passion for mathematics. Even after retirement, she remained dedicated to helping others learn, tutoring students in her spare time.

Christine's life was full of passions beyond the classroom. A love for photography and avid traveler, she captured beauty wherever she went-whether across the globe or in her own backyard with friends and family. She adored games, good conversation, and could strike up a connection with just about anyone. Her warmth, wit, and joyful energy lit up every room she entered.

She was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother, cherishing every moment spent with her family and always making time for those she loved. She will be remembered for her laughter, her spontaneity, and her unwavering kindness.

Christine is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Doug Harding; her daughter, Lisa Denton; her bonus-daughter, Jennifer Danylyshyn; and her beloved grandchildren: Alex, Ava, Anya, Lucia, and Gianna. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Lucy Ammirati, and her sister, Donna.

Her legacy of love, learning, and laughter lives on in all who knew her.

A private Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 6th from 7:00–9:00 PM for close family. A memorial service open to all who wish to honor her memory will be held on Tuesday, October 7th at 10:00 AM at O'Connor's Funeral Home, followed by a memorial reception. The service will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Flowers can be sent to O'Connor Mortuary or donations to organizations supporting Alzheimer's research or The Special Olympics can be made-causes that were close to Christine's heart.

She lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a world made brighter by her presence.