Chris was born in Jersey City, NJ on October 12th, 1939. Her parents were Jean and John Kirkowski. She graduated from St. Aloysious High School and afterwards attended Seton Hall University for business courses. She worked as an administrative assistant at various offices in NJ before taking a position as executive assistant, first at Marine Midland and then at HSBC bank in New York City, where she worked for over two decades. She worked downtown near the World Trade Center and enjoyed the city tremendously. She talked about New York with much fondness and loved telling stories and sharing memories from her time there.
Chris moved to Toms River, NJ in 1993 where she lived with her companion Michael Abate (“Mikey”) for 28 years, commuting to New York on the bus until she retired.
Chris was a vivacious and friendly woman, who loved to laugh and shop and was interested in current events. She enjoyed spending time in the Canton and Troy area over the years and made many friends during her visits to see her family here. Chris was very close to her family, especially her sister Helene who lived nearby in Toms River. They relied on and supported each other throughout the years. Chris was also a devoted aunt to her three nieces and two nephews.
Chris is survived by her brother Dr. John Kirkowski (Pat) of Troy; sister Helene Webster of Toms River, NJ; nieces and nephews: Kerry Kardos (Tom), Charlie Webster, Denise Kirkowski Bowler (Jason), Janine Kirkowski Pentzien (Jonathan), and John Kirkowski (Liz); 10 great nieces and nephews; and by her companion, Mikey.
Chris will be remembered as always smiling and thoughtful, doting on her grand-nieces and nephews, bringing fun and unusual gifts that she would find on her various shopping outings and for being a loving aunt and sister. She will be greatly missed.