Christine Marie Domitrovich

Christine Marie (Ford) Domitrovich savored every moment, even as she battled both MS and cancer. Her favorite Joni Mitchell song appropriately captures how our mom immersed herself in the world around her:

Tears and fears and feeling proud

To say "I love you" right out loud

Dreams and schemes and circus crowds

I've looked at life that way.

Christine was born in 1951 in Mount Clemens, Mich. The oldest daughter of Lt. Col. Clifford and Rosemarie Ford, Christine grew up travelling the world with six sisters and a brother. Her father's military career meant the family lived in several states, as well as England, Germany and Taiwan.

After graduating from San Francisco State University in 1974, Christine took a teaching job in Lame Deer. She soon met a handsome drummer, John Domitrovich, from Helena. That same drummer would become her husband and best friend for life. The couple were married in 1975 in Reno, Nev. After settling in Missoula to raise a family, Chris worked as an educator in a variety of capacities.

Christine reserved a special place in her heart for children. Neighborhood kids sat at the family dinner table nightly, and we frequently shared our mother with anyone who needed a surrogate. She kept a drawer full of toys, books, and puppets in her room just in case a child may drop by unexpectedly. Christine's amazing talent for making every child feel special was one of the reasons that she won the Montana HeadStart Association teacher of the year award in 2001.

As an aficionada of art, music, literature, fine food and a good story, Christine made sure her friends and family never went without these important ingredients of a vibrant life. There is no doubt our mom is still taking it all in, even from the other side of life.

I've looked at life from both sides now

From up and down, and still somehow

It's life's illusions I recall

I really don't know life at all.

Christine was preceded in death by her father, who passed away last year. We hope they're picking oranges or strolling the almond orchard together. She is survived by her husband of 38 years; their three children, Nicholas, Nathan and Maia; son-in-law Michael; daughters-in-law Mingzhu and Nicole; grandson Eujin; mother Rosemarie; siblings Linda, Michelle, Anita, Chuck, Valerie, Melissa, and Hilary; and a delightful collections of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Last, but not least, she leaves behind an extended family of friends, colleagues and former students. When asked during her final days with us what she wanted most, she answered, "I want you all to love-love so much-and be happy."

Christine's family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude for her many caregivers over the years, including the home health aides, doctors, nurses, and Hospice professionals who attended to her with such care and devotion.

A celebration of Christine's life will be held at Garden City Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Missoula, Child Start, Inc. (Missoula HeadStart), or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Read Christine Domitrovich's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.