Christie McCarthy Stier

1949 - 2017

Christie McCarthy Stier obituary, 1949-2017, Columbia, SC

BORN

1949

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Dunbar Funeral Home - Dutch Fork

7600 WOODROW ST

Irmo, South Carolina

Christie Stier Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 16, 2017.

COLUMBIA - A Mass of Christian Burial for Christie McCarthy Stier, 68, will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with interment in the church columbarium. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, is assisting the family.



Christie died Monday, October 16, 2017 from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) peacefully at home surrounded by loving family. Born on January 27, 1949 in Hackensack, New Jersey, she was a daughter of the late William Joseph McCarthy and Dorothea Grace Crawley.



Her father’s government work took their family to Washington DC in 1952 where Christie loved and excelled in sports then graduated from Western High School in 1967. As the sixth of nine children in a Catholic family she learned the values of generosity, selflessness, cooperation, hard work, and independence that touched all who knew her.



Her passion for childcare began at an early age with babysitting her younger siblings and neighborhood children. She graduated with a major in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina in 1971. She took the class “Fun and Games” twice which exemplified her devotion to entertain children. She taught PE at St. Peter’s Elementary School and coached women’s basketball at Cardinal Newman.



After graduating from college she worked in catering where she developed a knack for easily whipping up tasty meals for large groups. She loved cooking for family, friends, and the family business, Stier Supply Company.



Christie met Jonathan Holmes Stier of Columbia in 1971 and enjoyed his sense of humor. They were married April 25, 1975 at St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel where they renewed their marital vows 30 years later in 2005.



As an exceptional mother Christie instilled love, confidence, and joy in her six children. Her mothering couldn’t be contained by the walls of her home: neighborhood kids were always welcome and her children’s friends often joined in family trips. Favorite vacation spots included the beach, mountains, and their fifth-generation family lake cabin in New Hampshire.



Christie generously served her children, grandchildren, their friends, and mentored other mothers. She was a doer. On any given day Christie was fixing a vacuum, painting a room, moving furniture, cleaning her pool, stopping a child from choking, praying for her children, refereeing their basketball games, teaching them to ride a bike and rollerskate, lifeguarding, loading up her large van with meals, and making life better for others. Her special dedication to children will empower generations. Hundreds of children around the state can thank Christie for teaching them how to swim in her backyard pool.



Only two weeks before her death she joyfully witnessed the birth of her 13th grandchild and held her new granddaughter in her lap. The night of her death four of her granddaughters flew in from North Dakota and sang her favorite songs to her, “Puff the Magic Dragon” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” She completed her life’s work surrounded by the children and grandchildren she loved.



Surviving are her husband, Jonathan Stier; children, Ryan Stier (Haley), Jenny Jacobs (David), Becky Johnson (Max), Patrick Stier (Melissa), Shelly Kenney (Rob), Jody Stier (Amy); 13 grandchildren, Noah, Ella Joy, Julia, Georgia, Anacapri, Lily, Denver, Cruz, Emma, Lincoln, Cora, Townes, and Naomie; siblings, Michael, Helen, George, Kevin, Glenda, and Mark. She was predeceased by her brothers, Brendan and Tracy, and her beloved, Bootsie.



The family wishes to thank all her friends who assisted with her care.



In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Carolinas HealthCare Foundation for neurological disorders online at www.givecarolinas.org/find-your-cause/neurological-disorders.



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

Memories and Condolences
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November 22, 2017

David Jacobs

Christie,
Thank you for being a kind, generous mom to me and an amazing, fun, loving grandma to Noah, Ella Joy, JuJu, Georgia, and Emma. You always treated me like one of your own. The incredible thing is you also opened your heart and home to so many others. You'd be the last to admit it, but you gave us all a glimpse of heaven with the thoughtful gifts, trips, games and puzzles, activities, and selfless service you showed us. The kindness I see Jenny regularly show total strangers is part of the legacy you've given our family. We will always feel your love and kindness close in our home.
Love, David

November 15, 2017

Elizabeth Comer

As i sat down to write this, so many wonderful memories came to mind that its hard to know where to start. Christie was like a second mother to me growing up. She always welcomed me into their home, even when Becky hadn't asked if i could come over. ;-) ;-) We went so many places including, Garden city, isle of palms, camp gravatt, the old Putt Putt place, Pine island, Nanettes house, Red Wing Rollerway, the trenholm park pool, trick or treating, and etc., etc., etc. I spent so much time in the Stier van and for some reason, was always sitting in the way back and in the middle.... I can still hear her laughing (cause she always laughed) and telling me "put your big hair down so i can see out the back window". It always made me feel like part of the family. :-) I feel so fortunate to have had Christie in my life. I will love her always.

Elizabeth Goodrich Comer

November 15, 2017

Family

Meredith McCarthy Milad

Aunt Christie always seemed like a "cool" aunt when I was growing up. I remember visiting her home in Columbia when I was in middle school and she created such a fun atmosphere while all of us kids were running around and playing. As an adult, I loved catching up with her at family weddings and enjoying her vibrant energy. She always had a good story and her loving spirit will be missed. Aunt Christie will forever have a special place in my heart.

November 14, 2017

Christie's contagious happy spirit will never be forgotten. I cannot list the number of amazing memories she made possible in my life. She always made it possible for me to join in on the Stier fun. I wanted to be Christie in so many ways as a mother and always went to her for advice. She was and will always be one of the most amazing woman I, and many others have ever known. I cannot wait to see her again. I can only pray that I have her amazing traits as I raise my own child. I am blessed to have known her and had her in my life. SB

November 8, 2017

Katie Lishego

Aunt Christie has been in my thoughts and prayers over the last months. I had so much admiration for her and loved time that I got to spend with her and fam. I always wished we lived closer to our southern cousins! She was an amazing woman and will be missed by so many.

November 8, 2017

Hope Metzger

I always thought of Aunt Christie as my dad's fun- loving younger sister. Christie seemed so carefree and happy...all the time! A couple years ago I spent some time wih Christie at my sister's and then a cousin's wedding. I treasure that time. Christie was so much fun to chat with but also very wise. She was an old soul and yet young at heart.

November 8, 2017

Emma Dison

I only met Christie a couple of times, but her positive energy and love for her family really radiated out of her. She was absolutely devoted to her grandchildren. And I know from Jenny's frequent trips to SC, that her children and grandchildren loved to be near her. I think that the closeness of the family says a lot about her as a mother. I hope that my own family is as loving as close as Christie's once my children have grown. Also, as a side note, the techniques she used to teach swimming and water safety to young children was passed on from her, to Jenny, to me. I use her methods when teach my own little ones.

October 26, 2017

Dear Jonathan and Family: I am so very sorry for your loss.I can remember the first time I met her and she was a wonderful lady and the sandwich she made for Penny and I was delicious. I think of my time working at Stier supply and what a wonderful impression your family made on my life. My thoughts prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your family. With caring thoughts Cynthia Hamm

October 24, 2017

Thomas Terrill

Sad news. My warmest wishes to and prayers for the Stier family. A terrible loss, Jon. Your wife was obviously a delightful, loving person. The last few years must have been very difficult. ALS, a horrible disease, ended my brother's life five years ago, the last of my birth family. Jon, I'll hold you to that lunch invitation, when you feel like it. God bless you all. Tom Terrill

October 24, 2017

Marion Ragni

Dear Shelly and Family please accept our sincere condolences on the demise of your mother. Marion Ragni and family

October 23, 2017

John Brandon

Christie was my student teacher in kindergarten at Schneider School and then my family's next-door neighbor on Blossom Street from about 1973-1983. She was truly the fun mom of the neighborhood, and always had at least three or four extra kids packed in the van with Ryan, Jenny, and Becca -- heading off to the swimming pool, lake, a nearby park, the beach, or the mountains. She had a life "well-lived"!

October 23, 2017

Pete & Candace Hunt

To The Steir Family - We Are So Sorry for Your Loss - Christie was very special person and will be Greatly missed.

October 23, 2017

Bryan Brooks

So sorry to hear this. Prayers for family and friends.

October 22, 2017

Nancy Dill Burns

Christie & I were in the same classes in elementary school. What fun we had playing sports for OLV as well as at Hardy playground. So sorry to hear that she has passed. The Stier & the McCarthy families are in my thoughts and prayers. May all of your fond memories help you through this difficult time.

October 21, 2017

Cathy FitzGerald

So sorry for your loss. She taught three of my grandchildren to swim, a gifted woman with an obvious love of children.

October 21, 2017

Bill Boswell

I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful lady, you all know. I worked on her pool many times. When she would call, I would drop whatever I was doing and cater to her because she made you feel that she appreciated it more than any other customer I had. This beautiful lady will be missed

October 20, 2017

Wanda Studemeyer

I remember our excitement as students when she came to Cardinal Newman ... she was young and had no limits on energy and encouragement! I could not have been more thrilled when we met again while our boys played basketball at Friarsgate! As a referee, she was always fair to each team and took the time to explain her "calls"! Christie and I would catch up briefly ... I was in always in awe that she could do so much for the community while raising a family of her own! I have forever admired and had tremendous respect for this awesome lady! My deepest sympathies to her family!

October 20, 2017

Donna Sue Jones

I'm so sorry to know about Christie. Yes, she was such an amazing person and like others have said, I'm so glad to have known her and seen the passion she had in all that she did.
To all the family, my thoughts are with you in prayer.
With love to all, Donna Sue Jones

October 20, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jonathan! So sorry for your loss.
John and Margaret Nauful

October 20, 2017

Charles Marion Swain

So sorry to learn of this sad news. Many memories of fun times with Christie and her children years ago. She was a great mother with a wonderful family. On behalf of my family, I send our most sincere condolences. Peace to all of you.

October 20, 2017

Nate and Christina Jones

It was with great sadness that we learned of Mrs. Stier's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we hope that in a small way they help through these trying times. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. God bless.

October 20, 2017

Jared Jacobs

I'm so grateful to have known Christie and her family. Hers was a household of love and friendship. She's the kind of woman I hope my daughter will grow up to become someday. Our hearts are with you all, Jon, Ryan, Jenny, Becky, Pat, Shelly, Jody, and all who miss her so dearly.

October 20, 2017

Praying for the entire family in your time of sadness. May God heal and strengthen you during this time. Your friends at Dealers Supply, Greenville, SC

October 20, 2017

Starnell Wilkes

Thinking of y'all during this time. Mrs. Stier will be remembered for her smile and warm compassion to others.

October 20, 2017

Pat Kirk

A great person who raised great children who I am proud and humbled to have had in my life. My condolences to the Stier family and anyone Mrs. Stier has touched.

October 20, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Woodford Plywood (Danny Paul, Robert Beckham, David Rumsey, and Michael Clark)

October 20, 2017

Cynthia Abbott

May the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your hearts. My deepest condolences to the Stier family.

October 19, 2017

Pat Kirk

A great woman who raised great people who I am proud and humbled to have had in my life. My condolences to everyone who she has touched.

October 19, 2017

So sorry to hear of Christie"s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.

Karen Byerly Hayworth
Murrells Inlet, SC

October 19, 2017

Kimberly Klasnic

Sending so much love & prayers to your family. Christie was such an amazing, beautiful person inside and out. She was always so full of energy as a referee while our children played at Friarsgate Park and she taught our children how to swim. She touched the lives of so many adults and children in the community! I will miss seeing her beautiful, smiling face! May God grant your family peace and comfort knowing she is no longer suffering. Love, The Klasnic Family (Gary, Kim, Niki, Andrew & Jo)

October 19, 2017

Debbie Manos

Dear Jonathan and Family: May God give you the strength and love you need at this difficult time to help each other heal. We are praying for you and your family. May her memory be eternal. With Love, Chris and Debbie Manos.

October 19, 2017

David/Martha Lucas

David and I send our most heartfelt sympathies to the family. May God grant you his extraordinary peace and comfort during this sad time.

October 19, 2017

Julian Ruffin

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

October 19, 2017

Bill Carter

John, Kevin and Glenda....please accept my condolences. The memories of Christie just came flooding back as I read the obituary...all the way back to the Faculty Dining Room to the touch football games at the Beach house. My best to you all.

Posted by Bill Carter

October 19, 2017

K Smith

Was so sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of tender mercies be with the family and friends in their time of sorrow.

October 19, 2017

Sorry for your loss, May God give you his blessing and comfort, now and for the days ahead.

October 18, 2017

Kim Corley

My prayers are with Christie's family and friends. She had a beautiful spirit that she shared with many.

October 18, 2017

Kathy & Johnny McGill

To know Christie, was to love her. Her contagious smile and laugh, and goodness will live on through all of us, that were touched by her in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stier family.

October 18, 2017

Friend

Arthur and Nina SELLEW

Our deepest condolences to the Stier family . Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Arthur and Nina Sellew

October 18, 2017

Bob & Pat Young

Out thoughts and prayers are with you all.

October 18, 2017

Scott McCarl

Our Prayers are with the Stier Family. Christie's spirit will live on through her wonderful family and many friends. It was a blessing to know her.

October 17, 2017

Friend

Ken and Cheryl Wheat

Her light will shine forever!

October 17, 2017

First Namekathie Floyd

May God be with all of you as you go through this great loss. Christie was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her. I'm so thankful and will never forget the sweet movie I saw of her family and husband. Many prayers to all of you as you go through this time. Love Kathie Floyd

October 17, 2017

Michelle Power

It is hard to put words to such a giant loss. Christie always opened her home and volunteered to help others anytime she could. I will remember her always with a warm smile on her face. She loved her kids and grand kids more than anything and I know they will proudly carry on her legacy. Rest in peace, sweet angel, and may you continue to watch over your family from above. We love you Stier family.

October 17, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to the Stier family. Christie's zeal for life was an inspiration to all who met her. Her bubbly personality was always welcomed, from her lifelong desire to teach children to swim to joyously sneaking into Stier supply to surprise us all with lunch and so much more. She will be greatly missed, not only within her family and friends but the Irmo community has felt the loss. She has had such an impact on so many of our children as well as our own lives. May God hold her gently in his arms in his eternal kingdom and give the family peace at this time.

With much love and respect .... Butch Greene

October 17, 2017

Coworker

Paula Guillette

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

October 16, 2017

Tom Fenton

Christie was an amazing person. Always put her family and friends in front of herself. She raised six great kids and showered her family with love. My sincerest condolences to Jonathan and the rest of the family.

October 16, 2017

Thinking of and praying for you all. Very sad to hear about Mrs. Stier.

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