Tina Champion

Ithaca - Tina Champion left us and went to dance with the angels on June 29, 2019. She was born May 27, 1966. Despite being born with spina bifida, Tina lived a full and independent life. When she was 18, she moved to her own apartment in Titus Towers in Ithaca to be near her special friend, Wendy, and she lived there until her death. She appreciated the staff support and the many friends who also lived there.

Tina graduated from Seneca Central High School, and received an AAS degree in Travel & tourism and an AAS degree in Human Service from Tompkins-Cortland Community College.

Tina's life was devoted to helping others. She worked at FLIC as a peer counselor and the YMCA as a teen counselor. She worked at the Mental Health Assoc. providing information. She volunteered in the office at Gadabout, visited patients through the chaplain's office at Cayuga Medical Center, and tutored adult students at Tompkins Learning Partners. She also worked with the Dream Factory. She was honored as a Volunteer of the Year by Gadabout. She used Gadabout often for transportation and very much appreciated its wonderful service and staff.

She appreciated the very capable and professional support she received for many years from the staff at Visiting Nurse Services.

She was an active and devoted member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, serving on the prayer chain, the card ministry, the prayer shawl ministry, the worship committee, the Staff Parish Relations committee and with WIM small group. Her church family sustained her.

She liked crocheting, reading and writing.

Tina will be sorely missed by a host of friends, many of whom she stood by and supported when they were in need. She especially liked children, including those at St. Paul's. Tina was always cheerful (with a stubborn streak.)

We miss you.

A memorial service to celebrate Tina's life will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 21st at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in her honor to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Gadabout Transportation, the Spina-Bifida Assn., the Diabetes Assn., or the American Heart Assoc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal on Jul. 15, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Tina Champion

Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.

22 Entries

James King

June 27, 2025

A sweet girl that left a lasting memory of loving life!

Arlene Johnson

May 21, 2025

I met Tina when she was with Wendy rightmyer. She was a very beautiful person and great friend. I was sad to hear of her passing. She is with Wendy and they are dancing their heads off. Happy birthday Tina tell Wendy I said hi.

Quiana Andrews

November 16, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Say hi to frosty for me

Quiana & children

Tina with Deb and Andy at CRC Walkathon

Deb Novakovic

August 9, 2019

Deb Novakovic

August 8, 2019

I'm so sad now without you. We had years of fun going to lunch, shopping at the craft store or spending hours browsing the book store. We traded books, shared crochet patterns and talked out all the problems of the world and in our lives. The void in my life will be substantial. Thanks for waiting for me to get home to say goodbye! You will be remembered!

YOLANDA THOMPSON

July 20, 2019

AWH I AM VERY SADDENED TO HEAR SHE HAS PASSED SHE WAS A WONDERFUL AND EXPIRING LADY I KNEW WENDY AS WELL SO SORRY SHE HAS PASSED R.I.P MY FRIEND WE WILL MEET AGAIN WE USE TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN. I REMEMBERED HER IN TITUS TOWERS SHE LOVED HER FREDOM AND I AM ALSO SADDENED WOW

Arlene Johnson

July 18, 2019

I met tina wjen i was heloing take care of Wendy . Tina was a great friend. Now they are both dancing in heaven . RIP Tina. Love you arlene

James King

July 18, 2019

Tina is a beautiful soul, and Heavens Doors were opened wide for her!

July 16, 2019

You will be forever missed Tina, not only myself but by many the thoughtful things you do and and the caring advice or thoughts you share. Always true!

RIP dear one.

Joyce Turner

Debbie Howe

July 16, 2019

Tina had the most amazing smile...

Gay Huddle

July 15, 2019

Tina and I met when we were both at a nutrition session at the Wellness Center at Island Fitness. She was such fun......a wonderful smile and a happy attitude. We would see each other around town and she always remembered me and we would chat.
A lovely person, playing a happy game with the cards dealt to her.
I extend my sincere sympathy,

Beth Nielsen

July 15, 2019

Tina was such an inspiration! Despite her many challenges, she had a strong determination, along with that grin from ear to ear. I attended middle school with Tina, and I will always remember her fondly. My condolences to her family and friends.

Theresa Swearingen

July 15, 2019

Forever and always in our heart. Gone but never forgotten. Took care of her when I worked through visiting nurses and loved every minute of it. RIP Tina.

Cal Wood

July 15, 2019

Tina was such a sweet person. She and her smile will be missed.

Shannon Alvord

July 5, 2019

Tina's positive attitude, infectious laughter and deep compassion for others are a rarity in this world. She will be greatly missed.

Sally and Phil Quick

July 2, 2019

That smile blessed many of us. She is flying free.

Carolyn Beyers

July 1, 2019

Tina, you were a wonderful friend. I will savor our last memory of sharing ice cream in the sunshine. Your spirit will shine on in the hearts of so many and within the sanctuary and fellowship hall of St. Paul's. I know you are at peace now in heaven.

A Wojdyla

June 30, 2019

Tina, you're wonderful smile and genuinely kind approach to things has inspired me. You're positive fight for things and causes also inspired and will continue to keep my spark going. Thanks for being you and thanks for the friendship. Going to miss you my friend. Hugs to her family.

Colette Aman

June 30, 2019

Too a very strong and loving person. You will be missed. Rip Tina

Karen Royce

June 30, 2019

I am so glad I got to meet you and know you just a little over a year ago. RIP Aunt Tina.

Mary Nunn Maki

June 30, 2019

Tina was always smiling and with a twinkle in her eye. Her life was not easy, but she persevered and accomplished much. She finished high school with the help of loving teachers and staff, then graduated from TC3. She made the effort to walk up onto that stage to receive her diploma. She didn't stop there. She continued her education through online courses, volunteered at the hospital, and even drove a specially outfitted car. She served on the board at Titus Towers, and loved her cat Frosty. Tina was an inspiration to many and she will be missed.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results