Christine Helen Powell
Christine Helen Powell
Obituary
Guest Book
Christine Powell Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Born June 18, 1953 - Passed August 18, 2025
Christine Helen Powell, affectionately known as Tina, passed peacefully on August 18th, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Dementia. She was surrounded by the people who loved her most - the very same people she spent her life cheering on, dressing up, feeding, photo-documenting, and occasionally bossing around with a loving smile.
From the moment she met her husband Bob at just 15 years old (he was 16 - and yes, she always made sure you knew that), the spark between them never dimmed. Their love story was not just romantic - it was epic. Through decades of globe-trotting, road trips, kids/grandkids sports, and parenting wins and whoopsies, they built a partnership that was equal parts humor, devotion, and synchronized eye rolls. Together, they showed us that love could be silly, steady, selfless, and spectacular.
Tina's enduring role - though she had many: Wife, Mother, Nana, Little Woman, Queen of Holidays - was "Memory Keeper." She was the kind of person who even made a Tuesday afternoon feel like a photo-op. Her dedication to preserving family memories meant that our lives were documented in over 20 lovingly hand-crafted photo books. The irony? While her illness slowly took pieces of her memory, she had already given us the gift of never forgetting. What started as a way to remember for herself became the scrapbooked roadmap of our entire lives.
Tina was magic in motion - a mix of mischief and maternal instinct, glitter and grit. From turning grandchildren into pirates and fairies with bedtime stories to blasting Broadway show tunes in the red minivan, she made ordinary days feel like productions worthy of standing ovations.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 51 years, Robert Powell, who never left her side - not for a second. Her children, Emily Powell (Husband Matthew Raffaele) and Ryan Powell (Wife Jenna Powell), and her grandchildren, Wren Hyjurick, Kristen Hyjurick, Garrett Powell, and Faith Powell, will carry her sparkle, sass, and loving spirit forward.
Please Join Us in Celebration
Sunday September 21st at Southpointe from 2-5pm
In a Celebration of Life, Love and the Launching of a Lasting Legacy.
Tina's commitment to service and equity does not end here. In her honor, The Powell Foundation is being established to support those experiencing homelessness - a cause close to her heart. In lieu of flowers- and IF you know Tina… she's got the flowers taken care of already! The family invites donations to The Powell Foundation (or items purchased from an Amazon wish list curated with care and purpose). Tina was dedicated to making sure everyone had what they needed - a warm coat, shoes, or an extra plate at dinner.
We love you whole bunches - always have and always will, as we all remember to have hope for the future because: tomorrow is another day!
Donations in Honor & Memory
Please visit: PowellFoundationPittsburgh.org
Amazon: Copy/paste
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2U390ZHG9WEBK?ref_=cm_sw_r_em_ud_ggr-subnav-share_G16JYMYPRDCEBAZQSJB3_2
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Jenny (Palmer) Welsch
August 23, 2025
Such a lovely tribute to a life well lived. To me she was "Aunt Chris" who was really my cousin. Although it has been nearly 25 years since I last seen Chris, some memories just stick with you. Chris always made time at family events to talk with me. She wanted to know what was going on in my life and would give advice like, "be sure to use moisture everyday because it will keep wrinkles at bay" or which boys to stay away from. She had a great smile but would also scrunch up her nose and face when she disapproved at the shenanigan's at family dinners. Most of all, I appreciated how she took care of our grandmother for whom she is names after, Helen Niedbalski. One time, grandma introduced guest speaker Dick Cheney at the assisted living residence where she lived. Chris not only helped her get ready for the event but keep grandma's secret, not telling the Post-Gazette, that she was actually a democrat. Rest in peace Chris, get a kiss to grandma, and may the Powell family, Bob, Emily, and Ryan, find peace and comfort in the memories you built for them. Now that I am living in Idaho, I won't be able to attend but will keep you all in my prayers.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
164 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317
Make a Donation
in Christine Powell's name
People and places connected with Christine
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Christine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Christine Powell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
