Christine Yu

On Sunday November 10, Dr. Christine Im Sook Yu of Brownsburg, IN, peacefully entered into eternal hope, welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus, joyfully surrounded by those who have gone before her. On Monday, November 11, her well-cared for and healthy body gave new hope to those who received a second chance at life. Although her own life was sadly cut short at the age of 53, she lived fully, guided by faith and passion, as a lifelong learner and teacher, adventure seeker, and an advocate for the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of others. At the center of her life was her love for Jesus, her husband Gary, and her daughter Libby.
Christine was born on August 6, 1971, in Lewiston, NY, the daughter of John T. and Susan J. Yu. The youngest of four, she lived in Niagara Falls and moved to Woodridge, IL at the age of 6 years. She graduated from Glenbard South High School in 1989 and attended Wheaton College where she received her bachelor's degree in Christian education in 1993, as well as earning her master's degree in educational ministries. She went on to earn her Ph.D. In Developmental Psychology from Indiana University - Bloomington with a concentration in Anatomical Sciences Education. Her interest in helping others holistically also led her to pursue a certification in massage therapy from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. She also received additional certifications in a variety of bodywork disciplines. She was an anatomy instructor to medical students at Marian University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, and most recently a valued colleague and beloved instructor of Massage Therapy at Indiana Wellness College. Most recently, Christine started her own business one year ago, dedicated to health and wellness with a focus on healing body-work, and seminars in nutrition and healthy living.
Christine's adventurous life has taken her to the farthest parts of world as she traveled to South Korea and Australia, as well as the Holy Lands and countries throughout Europe, before finding her home in Central Indiana to marry the love of her life, Gary Wayne Woods II. The pair were married on February 21, 2016, at Eagle Creek Park with Angel Bodenhamer performing the ceremony. Their first year of marriage was full, indeed, and included building their marriage and new home, career changes and purchasing a new family car, the all-important dissertation defense, and the most important: becoming a mother on February 10, 2017.
Christine especially loved raising Libby and teaching her to think critically, approach life creatively, and eat in healthy ways. She referred to Libby as her heart outside of her body. Snuggles with Libby during turbulent times or even just before bedtime were a treasured memory for both mother and daughter. She also pursued gardening to honor her father who was an avid gardener. Christine was especially proud of her never-ending supply of tomatoes, peaches, and growing the family pumpkins the previous two Octobers. She was also committed to healthy eating and cooking healthy foods. In particular, she was always in pursuit of making the perfect ice cream, which was not only perfectly healthy but also essential in Christine's world!
One cannot think of Christine and not think of her dogs; she treated them like her children. Hamilton, her "firstborn child", was her furry child in every sense of the word. It was truly fitting that she was fulfilling a promise to Hamilton when she met Gary at the dog park. Prior to their initial chance meeting, Christine and Gary both performed "a dog's inner monologue," that is they verbally articulated what they imagined a dog was thinking. Christine made a humorous remark on behalf of a dog, Gary laughed, and the rest was history. Faith was important to Christine. She first discovered Connection Pointe Christian Church for her family on December 6th, 2017. Which coincidentally was Pastor John Dickerson first sermon. They took this as a sign and continued attending. Having initially dismissed Connection Pointe as too large and impersonal, and preferring a smaller church with more of a community feeling, Christine and Gary were pleasantly surprised to find community, caring, growth, and love from this place.
Christine is preceded in death by her father John Yu. She is survived by her husband Gary, daughter Libby, mother Susan (Kim) Yu, sister Sandi (Yu) Rueger, and brothers Dan (Yu) and Paul (Yu), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00pm, with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service starting at 4:00pm at Connection Pointe Christian Church, 1800 N. Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112.
The family is deeply moved by the outpouring of love during this difficult time. The thoughts and prayers as well as tangible support, such as meals and playdates for Christine's seven-year-old daughter, Libby, have been greatly appreciated. Expressions of sympathy including cards, flowers, or contributions in support of Libby's future education are equally welcomed. Contributions to Libby' education may be made at: Ugift529.com. Libby's specific Ugift code is 27V-X0H. To join the Facebook Memorial, please click https://www.facebook.com/events/559986410309466/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22:%22null%22%7D. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Christine's memory, please visit her tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.