Christine M. ‘Tina’ Cardinal
KINGSLEY, Mich. — Christine Marie “Tina” Cardinal, 48, of Kingsley, and former Diorite Location and Big Bay resident, walked on Sunday evening, Sept. 10, 2017, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Mich., in the loving, comforting care of her family. She has been lifted up and crossed over to a better place. A wonderful place where her loved ones welcomed her with open arms and loving hearts.
Born Nov. 8, 1968, in Marquette, a daughter of James and Nora (Cram) Cardinal, Tina was raised in Diorite Location, graduating from Westwood High School. She attended Bay Mills Community College, receiving an associate degree in human services. Her profession was working with disabled adults, which she did so well. She never shied away from helping others and getting them the assistance they needed. She loved adventures, with living three years in Australia probably the most memorable. Oh, the memories!
In August 2005, Tina was involved in an auto accident on the Big Bay Road, resulting in incapaciting injuries. Confined to a wheelchair, Tina relocated to Grand Rapids, Mich. In 2012, she moved to Kingsley, Mich.
Tina is survived by her mother, Nora Cardinal of Escanaba; sister, Pauline (Dan) Mitchell; and brothers, JC (Shirland) Cardinal and Mark (Gina) Cardinal; a niece, Sarah Ellet-Cardinal; two nephews, James Mitchell and Aidan Ellet-Cardinal; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also survived by her family of caregivers who shared her life with us for the past 12 years.
The two loving hearts that she missed the most, her dad, James “Cobb” Cardinal Jr and her maternal grandmother, Pauline Cram. Also gone before her are her maternal grandfather, Hiram Cram; paternal grandparents, James and Frances Cardinal; special aunts, Sandy Dowd and Laverne Mager; along with many other relatives and friends that shared her life in so many ways. Oh, what a reunion that must have been!
Special gratitude to the staff of The Lighthouse in Traverse City, Mich.,Caro, Comprehensive Professional Services in Whitehall, Mich., and Hope Nework in Grand Rapids, Mich.
A Celebration of Life, honoring Tina, will be held at her mother’s home, Nora Cardinal, 508 S. 18th St., Escanaba, on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 2 until 5 p.m.
We love you, Tina. Be at peace!
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderfuneralhome.com