TAAFFE, CHRISTINE M.
On Friday, May 5, 2006, CHRISTINE M. TAAFFE of Chevy Chase, MD. Beloved daughter of Richard (Nancy) and Jean Taaffe; loving sister of Jaclyn Taaffe; and stepsister of Mark (Mari) Pratt and Julie (Shawn) Beichler; and loving companion Mark Baker. Also survived by loving grandparents Ed and Eleanor Soner and Antoinette Taaffe; many aunts, uncles and cousins. On Monday, May 8, friends are invited to call at JOSEPH GAWLERS SONS, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, from 3 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at 11 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 3810 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20016, on Tuesday, May 9. Interment private.
Published in The Washington Post on 5/8/2006.
Christine was one of the first people I met my freshmen year at American University. She lived across the hall from me for two years in the terrace of Anderson Hall. She always had a smile on her face and would brighten a room with her presence. One of my fondest memories of Christine, or "Taaffe" as everyone called her, was during my sophomore year. For whatever reason the two of us were sitting in the lounge on the terrace and started chatting. We ended up talking till the sun came up before we both went to bed and then class. I was exhausted the next day but never once did I regret staying up all night talking with her. She was always having fun and laughing and had an endless supply of energy that was truly amazing to see. Christine was one of those people that if you were having a bad day you could go talk to. It is because of her that I met and started one of my greatest friendships. Meeting Alexis Lantz changed my time at college for the better in many ways and she is one person I am thankful to have in my life. But I never would have met her if it wasn't for Christine. As I sit and write this I am reminded of something I heard once, that each one of us gives everyone we meet a gift. Sometimes those gifts are wonderful and other times you would like to return them. Christine gave many gifts to many people. The love and laughter she gave to her friends and family is just one example. I would like to think that her gift to me was friendship, both her friendship with me and the friendship I have with Alexis. But her parting gift was to remind me of how very precious those friendships are. Thank you, Christine, sometimes I am forgetful.
After we both graduated from AU we would occasionally cross paths. It was a running joke between us that we would always live near each other because after we both graduated we ended up living in the same apartment complex and then later across the street from each other. Well this time Christine you have gone to a place were I can't follow you. A better place to be sure, one where your smile, laughter and warm heart will be most welcome. While I am sad that you have passed on, I am grateful for having known you. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family and friends. You will be missed, but never ever forgotten.
MRG
