Cristina Janet Tebolt,39, of Livingston, NJ, passed away at Saint Barnabas Medical Center on Monday, November 28, 2016 after a 4 ½ year battle with breast cancer. She died peacefully, exactly as she had wished with her sisters Elana and Andrea by her side, while her husband Seiji took care of the needs of their children Karina (8) and Oliver (4).
Those who knew her well affectionately called her "Cris."
Cris was born in New Rochelle, NY and had a humble upbringing. She always excelled in school, and ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from Columbia University on a needs-based grant. Soon thereafter, she earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Hunter College. Until just a couple of months before her passing, she dedicated her career to helping others as a licensed social worker, where her patients included military veterans, people with substance abuse problems and folks on dialysis.
Though Cris did not enjoy drawing attention to herself, she always ended up the life of the party with her quirky sense of humor and feisty, passionate edge. Last year during Thanksgiving when her family hosted in New Jersey, Cristina sent constant, specific instructions by text to her sisters who reside in Florida and North Carolina, even in the middle of the night, prior to their arrival. The family ended up having the most beautiful day of celebration because of her persistence.
Nothing was more important to Cris than her children. Even when she was first diagnosed with cancer when she was 35 weeks pregnant with Oliver, against her doctors' advice of giving birth right away and starting treatment, she waited two more weeks to make sure that their son was born healthy. Every night, Cris sat with Karina to share their mutual love of books and cats, and wrote in their respective journals, sometimes into the wee hours of the night.
Surviving is her husband Seiji Shiraishi, daughter Karina Lynn Shiraishi and son Oliver Alexander Shiraishi; she is also survived by her father Robert Tebolt and sisters Elana Tebolt, Andrea Tebolt and brother Michael Tebolt.
In lieu of flowers, online contributions in her memory may be made to:
Metavivor: Metavivor.org
Inheritance of Hope: Inheritanceofhope.org
The West Essex YMCA: http://www.metroymcas.org/main/give-to-the-y/
Contributions via checks may be mailed to:
The West Essex YMCA
139 East McClellan Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 758-9622
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
June 7, 2017
Wiltona Watson
So sorry to learn of your passing. You were always sweet to everyone. Sending prayers of strength to your family.
March 9, 2017
Marybeth Dartley
I am so sorry to learn about Cris's passing. As a coworker of Cris's years ago, I admired her deep compassion, kindness and dedication to the patients she served. Caring for others was Cris's passion and she made a difference in the lives of many. My heartfelt condolences to her family and especially her children.
February 16, 2017
Elana Tebolt
Always in my thoughts Cris. You are missed so much.
December 3, 2016
Joanne Vorkink
I found out about Cris's passing on breastcancer.org. What a pleasure to read about her full and rich life as a loving sister, wife and mother, and her service to others as a dedicated social worker. I'm wishing all the best to her dear family as they continue her legacy of compassion for others, education, service, sense of humor and zest for life. Blessings of peace and comfort to her husband and sweet children.
December 1, 2016
Jana Oberman
Thinking of you and your smile, Cris. You will be missed.
November 30, 2016
Yanira Silva
RIP Cristina you will be missed! Sending prayers and hugs to the whole family
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Funeral services provided by:
Quinn Hopping Funeral Home - Livingston145 East Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039
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