Christine Kraai

Christine Kraai, 53, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of countless family and friends who walked with her in the weeks leading up to her passing. Christine's legacy is, without a doubt, her deep love for her family and her unwavering faith in the Lord.
Known as both a cycle-breaker and a chain-breaker, Christine lived with courage, intention, and grace. Her love for others was fierce and faithful, and her life reflected the joy and peace that came from her relationship with God.
Though we grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing she now beholds the glory of the Lord - and we are all better for having known and loved her.
Above all else, Christine cherished her role as a mother. She was a stay-at-home mom to her three children - a role she held as the most sacred and important calling of her life. Christine was a natural protector with a heart for all children, and her nurturing spirit touched many beyond her own home. From her teenage years on, she served faithfully in children's ministry, most recently as Director of the Children's Ministry at BridgeWay Community Church in Rockford. Christine led with compassion, heart, and humility, and every child in her care felt safe, seen, and deeply loved.
Though Christine battled cancer, it never defined her. Her life was defined by joy, kindness, and strength. She will be remembered for her radiant energy, her warm and generous heart, her infectious sense of humor, and her constant willingness to serve and support those around her.
Christine lived boldly and intentionally. She poured herself into the people she loved and took joy in creating a welcoming, joy-filled home. Her gatherings were filled with laughter, love, spotless surroundings, and delicious food - no one ever left her home hungry, and everyone left feeling cherished.
Christine is survived by her beloved husband of 26 years, Tim, and their three children: Ayden (fiancée Maggie Carey), Avery, and Ellyanna. She is also survived by her father, James Hanrahan of Fort Dodge, IA; her sister, Melissa Ensing (Bryan) of Grand Rapids, Ml, and her nieces and nephew: Mary, Nicklas, and Emily. Christine had a special bond with her Aunt Cathy, who was like a mother to her and also survives her. Christine's extended circle of friends and chosen family is too great to name - her love stretched far and wide.
The family desires to say Thank You to the staff at Emmanuel Hospice for their skillful and attentive care.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Christine's honor on Friday, June 27, 2025, at BridgeWay Community Church, 7700 Childsdale Ave NE, Rockford, MI
Visitation: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Service: 6:00-6:45 p.m., officiated by Dr. Ron Aulbach
Social Gathering: 6:45-8:30 p.m., with light refreshments in Christine's honor
In true "Hostess with the Mostest" fashion, tears may fall - but so will laughter, stories, and joy, just as Christine would have wanted. She chose to be cremated, and her family will hold a private ceremony at a later date to continue honoring her beautiful life.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to support Christine and Tim's children at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-christines-children-after-her-passing
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