Obituaries
Christine Anne Chovanec, nee Puchalski, 44, of Dunlap, Illinois, lost her battle with cancer on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Christine was born on January 31, 1977, daughter of Robert and Susan Puchalski. Along with her younger sister Nicole (Warn), she grew up and attended school in Munster, Indiana. As a young adult, she lived in Chicago.
Christine met Geoff Chovanec, an engineer out of Purdue University, in 2001. They were married at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Dyer, Indiana on August 14, 2004. They had a happy and loving marriage with two beautiful children, Drew, 13, and Ella, 11. During the pandemic they added Bailey, the best family dog. Christine’s family was her treasure.
Because of Geoff’s job with Caterpillar, the family moved often, living in Decatur, Illinois; Edmonton, Canada; and Seattle, Washington, before settling in Dunlap, Illinois. Everywhere they lived, they made long and lasting friendships. Despite the distance, her parents were a constant in her life, visiting each place she lived, often for extended stays when the children were born or small.
Christine was the ultimate soccer mom, happily driving Drew to soccer and hockey, cheering at his cross country matches, and hosting sleepovers with sometimes “smelly boys,” (her words). She applauded and relished Ella’s equestrian accomplishments and supported Ella’s burgeoning interest in fashion. Christine loved being a mom and she was great at it, raising kind and loving children.
Christine loved nothing more than being home with her family, but she loved to travel with them as well. As a family, they visited Banff, Orlando, the Badlands, and Yellowstone, went camping on Orcas Island off the coast of Seattle where they got banned for “crabbing out of season,” and wakeboarding (that was Geoff) in Florida. Disneyland in California also made the list. And she enjoyed a few "Girls Trips" that included hiking, wine tasting, and yoga.
Christine was a mama’s girl. She was happy about moving back to Illinois to be closer to family. Her love of family included her sister Nicole and Nicole’s family. Christine regularly made the three-hour drive to Nicole’s in Indianapolis to celebrate her nephews’ birthdays, holidays, religious celebrations, and family gatherings.
Christine made friends everywhere. Many friends (and cousins!) who loved her— a lovely and loving woman, gifted with kindness and effervescence. She was happy, energetic, a joy to be with. We remember Christine as poised, even elegant, yet so quick to laugh and so fun! Our fashion guru, shopper extraordinaire, an excellent cook and host, an exercise enthusiast, a truly wonderful person.
Christine died too young, but she touched many lives in her short time. We remember her radiant smile, her big and giving heart, her light, her sweetness.
Visitation for Christine will be Friday, January 21, 2022 from 5-7 PM at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will begin at 7 PM. Cremation Rites have been accorded.
Memorials may be made to Christine and Geoff’s children, in c/o CEFCU.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
21
Jan
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
Celebration of Life
21
Jan
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
