Christine M. Shepas 1962-2026

She was born Dec. 25, 1962, to Ron and Jean DiVincenzo of Boardman.

Christine, affectionately known as Chrissy, was a graduate of Boardman High School and Youngstown State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business. She was a sales representative for Medtronic and Liz Claiborne Fragrances before spending more than 20 years at Bethlehem Logistics — the job she loved most. In her spare time, she enjoyed working as an extra in movies and Netflix productions.

Chrissy was the devoted “First Lady of Football” to Coach Rick Shepas for more than 37 years. She took game day very seriously. Family and friends traveled near and far for her famous pre-game tailgates and legendary black bean soup. The girls often came home from school to a fully decorated house, completely transformed for kickoff — Chrissy believed preparation mattered on and off the field.

She was a lifelong cheerleader — from Boardman to YSU to her husband’s teams and always for her daughters, Maria, Katy and Gina. In recognition of the many years spent helping with research papers, projects and encouragement, Chrissy proudly received several honorary degrees from her husband and daughters in education, biology pre-med, counseling, music performance and health sciences.

Above all, Chrissy loved her family. She especially cherished traveling to visit her first granddaughter, Nora, and treasured family adventures — from hiking the Panamint Dunes in Death Valley to Arches National Park, glacial lakes in Inyo National Forest and Haleakala in Maui.

Chrissy loved big, cheered loud and impacted every room she entered. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Cathy.

She is survived by her husband, Coach Rick Shepas; her daughters, Maria, Katy and Gina; her granddaughter, Nora; her parents, Ron and Jean DiVincenzo; her sisters, Carrie and Jeanne; along with many extended family members and friends.

Family and friends may call 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Holy Family Parish.

(special notice)