Christine A. Koontz 1957-2026

Christine was born May 22, 1957, in Bethesda, Maryland, to George and Kathleen Burke Ceremuga. She moved to the Mahoning Valley as a child and graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1976.

Christine was the heart of her family — a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose warmth, humor and caring nature made everyone around her feel loved. Her greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought endless happiness and pride to her life.

For nearly 40 years, Christine and her husband, John, built a life centered around love, family and simple joys. Together they loved taking road trips, discovering new places, trying new restaurants and making memories wherever they went. Whether it was a planned getaway or just a drive together, Christine cherished the time they spent side by side.

She also treasured time spent in the kitchen with her daughter and granddaughters, especially during the holidays. Baking cookies, sharing recipes, laughing together and creating family traditions became some of the memories she held closest to her heart. Christine had a special way of making holidays feel warm and magical.

In addition to caring for her own family, Christine spent more than 20 years working as a nanny, lovingly caring for others’ children as if they were her own. She also worked at several local restaurants over the years, where her kindness and friendly spirit left a lasting impression on so many people.

Christine was a faithful member of Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Church in Struthers. She loved being outdoors, tending to her flower gardens, attending outdoor concerts with family and friends and enjoying life’s simple moments surrounded by the people she loved most.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 39 years, John F. Koontz Jr., whom she married Feb. 21, 1987; her daughter, Jenna (Nicholas) Jacubec of Struthers; her stepdaughter, Melanie (Carl) Anguili of Boardman; and her four cherished grandchildren, Nicolette and Jack Jacubec, and Gisella and Marialena Anguili. She is also survived by her stepmother, Margaret Ceremuga of Poland, who helped raise her; her brothers, George Ceremuga and Tom (Julia) Ceremuga, both of San Antonio, Texas; and her sisters, Lorie Ceremuga of Ridgefield and Carrie (Mike) Beven of Chagrin Falls.

Family and friends may call noon to 12:45 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.

A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Fr. Tom Kraszewski.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Christine’s family.

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