Christina Ivanna, M.A.,76, (July 9, 1946-May 23, 2023) was born to Maria and Orest Ersteniuk in a Displaced Persons camp in Germany after World War II, her family having fled war-torn Ukraine. In 1949, Christina and her parents immigrated to the United States, first arriving in Maryland and eventually settled in Stamford, Connecticut to join other family members who also emigrated from Ukraine.
Having lived in Washington State since the 1980s, Christina moved from Seattle to Rochester, NY in 2008 to be with her mother and brother. While in Rochester, Christina involved herself in the healing arts. Most recently from 2014 to 2023, Christina was a Harp and Color Vibrational Healer at ONE Wellness Center in Rochester, NY.
Christina was a beautiful light, whose light continues to shine brightly in the lives she touched. Christina was not only multi-dimensionally creative, but she awakened creativity in others. She is much loved, a dear and loyal friend to so many, and will be greatly missed.
Christina is survived by her mother, Maria Ersteniuk, and her brother, Myron Ersteniuk, cousins Bohdan Ersteniuk and family and Stephan Ersteniuk and family of Rochester, NY; an aunt Oksana Melnyk, cousins George Melnyk and family, Rita Rago and family, and Chris Magnuson and family of Chicago, IL and surrounding area; and Lesia Shmorhun and family of Long Island, NY.
A Celebration of Life for Christina is planned at ONE Wellness Center 2349 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY, Sunday, July 9, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Charitable gifts in Christina’s memory can be made out to Webster Comfort Care Home (hospice) www.webstercomfortcare.org/donations.php or what ever non-profit that is meaningful to you.
So sorry that you left us so soon. As a Brother and Mother we hope you are at peace and without pain. God bless you and may your soul rest in peace. You will be very missed.
Dearest cousin Chris, the memory of your kindness and gentleness will always remain in our hearts. Play that heavenly harp for the glory of God!
To Myron and Teta, with deepest sympathy in the loss of your loving sister and daughter. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.
Love Rita (Areta)
You were such a bright shining light and touched my life in a special way. Knowing that you are no longer in pain is the one justification for you being taken from us too soon. I know that you will live on in our hearts by the memories that we made! May peace and everlasting life be with you, my friend!
We talk to you telepathically now Christina, thanking you for your great gifts in creativity and sensitivity, your quiet humour.
Glad you are free of disease and playing your heavenly harp with Creator.
Love.
Maryanna and kitties.
You were so caring of our members and staff Christina. We miss you and hope you are entertaining all in heaven with your beautiful music and stories….
Jeff L
Bay View YMCA
Peace and healing for all who were blessed by Christina’s warmth of heart and spirit through the years.
Dearest Christina, play on sweet friend. Your light shines down on us through your music that you have shared with all of us. The last time I saw you I made sure I let you know that I loved you. Rest easy my friend.
Although I only knew Christina a short time as I was a volunteer at the Webster Comfort Care home, I truly enjoyed our conversations. She loved to talk to us and I loved hearing stories of her life. I sure miss our conversations! May she rest in peace ❤️
Offering heartfelt condolences to Chris’s brother and mother. It’s been many, many years since being in touch with her. I met Chris right out of high school in Stamford, CT. We worked together at Capital. I left for Boston the following year and Chris was a frequent guest. We had many fun, crazy and memorable times together. I still smile thinking about the things we did in our youth.
Christinna studied singing with me for a time in Seattle. She was delightful and fun to know. She will be greatly missed.