Christine M. Gavrila

Christine (Chris) Gavrila, 97, a long-time resident of Bay City, Michigan, peacefully passed away in Houston, Texas, with her loving son Edward by her side, on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Chris was born on January 11, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan, to Martha (Hoffmann) and Edward Faber, deceased. Also preceded in death by her husband Octavian, son Daniel, sisters- in- law Sylvia Manica and Virginia Sams, and five brothers-- Edward, Wilford, Jerome (Bud), Robert (Bob) and Anthony (Tony). She is survived by her son Edward and daughter-in-law Robyn; daughter-in-law Marylou Zimmerman; granddaughters Kara Kochenderfer (Mace), Dana Gavrila (Ben Pigati), Abigail Gavrila, Annie Rosenfeld (Greg); and five great-grandchildren--Emma Claire and Oliver Kochenderfer, Eugene and Leopold Pigati, and Beau Rosenfeld.
Chris proudly served her country during WWII as a sergeant and weapons inspector in the Women's Corp of the U.S. Marines, stationed at the Mojave Air Station in Mojave, California. A record of Chris's service can be found at the Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 2008, she returned to the Mojave Air Station and was warmly received by the airport manager, who did not know that women had served at the Air Station during WWII. Memories and documents were exchanged during that visit, ending in Chris having lunch with Burt and Dick Rutan, the brothers who designed (Burt) and piloted (Dick) the only aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling.
Chris married Octavian Gavrila on February 8, 1947 at St. Raymond's Catholic Church in Detroit, MI. A few years later, Chris took advantage of the G.I. Bill by enrolling at Wayne State University; she received her BA in Education from Central Michigan University and a Master's in Education Administration from Michigan State University. Chris began her career in the Bangor Township School District, first as a teacher and later as a beloved principal, where she proudly served her community for more than 30 years and where she earned the nickname "Sarge" for her ability to take charge and maintain calm and order.
In the mid 1960s, Chris and Tavie joined fellow teachers Ilene and Bob Darbee to purchase and co-own the The Roll-Air Rink and Puttee Golf, which were long-time fixtures near the State Park. Shortly thereafter they purchased Tony's Park, the only children's amusement park in the area, which they operated during the summer months until 1981.
Chris was deeply patriotic, loved her family and friends, and held her Catholic faith close to her heart.  She loved being a teacher and principal and she loved her students. During Chris's retirement years, she continued serving her community by volunteering at clothing drives and crocheting over 500 lap blankets for Hospice of Michigan. Her joie de vivre for life is evidenced by her lifetime of accomplishments.
Funeral liturgy and celebration of life will take place on March 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna Church (2956 E. North Union Road). The celebrant will be Rev. Fr. John Sarge with entombment followed by military honors at Calvary Mausoleum in Kawkawlin. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. (201 W. Midland St.) on Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. The vigil for the deceased will take place Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home Christine will be taken to church on Friday March 8, 2019 to lie in state from at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. For those desiring, contributions may be made to the Bay County Veterans' Council or the donor's favorite charity.