Christina Ann Pagnotto
January 22, 1948 - December 15, 2021
Visitation: Saturday, December 18, 2021, 1-6 pm; Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry
Service: Sunday, December 19, 2021, 1 pm; Orchard Hill Church
Christina Ann Pagnotto, age 73, peacefully passed away December 15, 2021. She was at home surrounded by family. Born in New Kensington, PA on January 22, 1948, Christina was the daughter of the late Robert and Kathryn Lenzi. She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Michael J. Pagnotto, Jr., her daughter Nina Faber (Michael), son Michael R. Pagnotto (Mary), sister Anthousa Helena of Alachua, Florida, and four cherished grandchildren, Evelyn, Teresa, Christopher and Jack.
Known for her unyielding kindness, energy, and enthusiasm, “Crisse”, grew up in Vandergrift, PA. A high school graduate of Penn Hall, in Chambersburg, PA, she went on to earn her Bachelors of Science and then a Masters of Education from the University of Pittsburgh, ’69, ’71. While at Pitt, she met her husband and they married on June 14, 1969 in St. Paul’s Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA. Together they formed a lifelong enthusiasm and support for everything Panthers. H2P!
After college, Cris lived and worked in Monterey, California, while her husband served in the US Army. Following his service, the two returned to Western Pennsylvania, where she and her husband became engaged and impactful community members. An active member of the parent-teacher association, and the team mom for countless sporting activities, Cris was deeply involved in her children’s lives and education. As a family, she, her husband and children shared a love for skiing, spending countless weekends at Hidden Valley, PA, and never missing an annual adventure out West.
While her children were young, Cris worked assisting her mother with the family business, but teaching was always her passion. Eventually she returned to teaching and served as a 6th Grade Math teacher at North Allegheny’s Ingomar Middle School for over 25 years. Cris loved her time at North Allegheny. She positively impacted countless students with her gift for teaching and she developed lasting friendships with her fellow teachers and administrators.
Retiring from North Allegheny in 2013, Cris spent her retirement doing the things that she loved most. An avid golfer, Cris was a member of Sewickley Heights Golf Club for over 35 years. Cris and her husband split their time between Western Pennsylvania and the east coast of Florida, always sharing life with family and friends. When she was not walking the golf course she could be found walking the beach. No beach was more loved than her slice of paradise on the Galt Ocean Mile in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Of all the ways that Cris spent her time, none was more cherished than becoming YiaYia to four amazing grandchildren. Often the loudest and most positive cheerleader in the audience or on the sidelines, YiaYia made sure her grandchildren knew that they were supported and loved – always and forever. She nurtured their passions, listened to their dreams, and believed in them long before they believed in themselves.
Cris Pagnotto lived a life defined by family, friendship, faith, integrity, strength and love. Those that spent time with her are better for it. She will be profoundly missed and forever loved.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday from 1-6 pm at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Twp. Funeral Services will be held Sunday at 1 pm at Orchard Hill Church, 2551 Brandt School Road, Wexford, Pa 15090.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/?_ga=2.105833475.1622250853.1639589298-629275667.1639589298
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Hi Mike. So sorry to hear of Crisse’s passing.
I read all the comments from your friends and family. It sounds like you had a very good life together. I’m so glad you did.
Dear Mike, How fortunate we were to have been able to enjoy Cris on our visits “home”. We always loved spending time with you both. Laughing was a constant in those times. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Nancy and Dave Cook
Michael, I was devastated when I found out from Nicholas’ phone call about our beloved Crissey. She was what we say was one of a kind. She was loved, respected, and even adored I’m sure by some of the students she mentored. I for one will never forget her beautiful smile and her positive attitude. We both lost the loves of our life but now we must continue to put one foot in front of the other to continue trying to do life. I like you we’re fortunate to have such loving and attending families. Again give my condolences to the entire family. Love/Hugs, Matt B.
Cris loved and is loved by all who knew her. Her strength will be Mike and the families strength now. Wonderful to have known her, sorry to lose her.
What a beautifully written memorial for a woman who clearly meant so much to so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Dearest Pagnatto Family, We knew Cris as a spirted, fun loving individual, and tremendous teacher. She will be sorely missed and always remembered by those who knew her in her many life roles. Cris was certainly surrounded by her supportive, wonderful family! We are so sorry for your loss and glad that we saw you all at the XC meet this fall….She is one of the brightest stars in the heavenly sky now….watching you from above. Sending our love to you all, George and Debbie Sagan
Dear Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mom and your family during our days at Franklin Elementary when you were a student in my fourth grade classroom. My thoughts are with you and your family.
It was my family’s good fortune to have our children be involved in activities with Mrs. Pagnotto’s grandchildren. She was always so positive and energetic as she wore her great smile and was enthusiastic about whatever situation we were in. After just a minute’s conversation with her I would feel as important to her as her grandkids. The world is now a poorer place.
Dr. Pagnotto and family so sorry for your loss, may the strength of the lord carry you all through these tough times. I will always remember Cris fondly, she truly was a wonderful woman.
Mike, Nina, Mr. Pagnotto, and family, I’m so sorry for your loss and wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Pags from my childhood – she was a wonderful person, and I’m so happy I had the pleasure of knowing her. May she rest in peace, and our prayers are with you all.
Mike and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. I know how hard she fought and just what a delight she was any time I saw her. Thanks for sharing her spirit and love with all of us.
We are so sorry for your families loss of a beautiful, loving and kind person. We are praying for your family in this time of deep sorrow.
Our lives have been impacted by Cris Pagnotto and her family. From her time taking care of us as kids to working along side her at IMS, she was always loving, considerate and caring. She will be missed here and now but celebrated for the wonderful life she had lived.
Cris loved and will always be loved by all who knew her. Her strength will now be with Mike and the family. Be at peace.
my deepest sympathies to the pagnotto family & sarina, your suffering has ended chrissie, god has received another angel , may god have mercy upon your family & friends,who will miss you every day
There are no words to comfort you at this time. Please know that your family is in my prayers.
My sincere sympathy to all of you!🙏
I was fortunate enough to have young Mike and Nina on my track and cross country teams as well as in my chemistry class where I became acquainted with their spirited mother. She was always a supportive parent and a great cheerleader not only for Mike and Nina but for the entire team.(and the coach as well). What a fun classy lady she was. Rest in peace Chris. Please accept my deepest sympathy Mike, Nina, and young Mike.
Cris has been a truly positive influence on our lives. We went to Pitt together, partied together, played together and raised our children together. We are so thankful to have had Cris has our close friend. She will be missed more than words can say. John and Margie
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Cris always had such a wonderful outlook on life. She will be missed
Dear Mike and family
As you know we are new friends from the Galt . We were golf buddies sharing the drive to Plantation or Jackaranda . I really got to know her and her family . I will miss her . Mike May your happy memories sustain you in the coming days . She was a fighter and the lord took another star from us.
Love and kisses
Candi and Eric Shatilla
Montreal Canada
On behalf of all MSA Latin America colleagues, accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Chris Pagnotto. May our friendship and prayers bring comfort to the family through this difficult time.
Cris has been a truly positive influence on our lives. We went to Pitt together, partied together, played together and raised our children together. We are so thankful to have had Cris has our close friend. She will be missed more than words can say. John and Margie
From our days in Brook Park to our present days in Libert Hills, you and Chris have been great friends and neighbors. I admire how hard she fought the battle. God bless you and your family.
Receive my sincere condolences from me and my family, we will pray for your mom and that your family will soon find the comfort of this great loss.
A lovely hug!!!!
Dear Mike, Michael, Nina and grandchildren, You have my sincere condolence. It was a privilege for me to know Cris. I will always remember her courage, kindness and zest for life. She had such a positive impact on everyone who touched her life. She is missed.
My sister always had a positive attitude on life & was a brave courageous soul who spread kindness love & joy to all whim she encountered her presence will be missed by all. My sympathies & condolences to her husband, her two children & precious grandchildren who Cris loved so much may all her loved ones be comforted during these times & May Cris Rest In Peace love you
Such a beautiful obituary which perfectly describes her. Hard to believe such a zest for life is no longer here. She was a wonderful person. I knew her from Chi Omega sorority at Pitt and remember when she and Mike got ‘pinned”! May your wonderful memories be your consolation
Chris was the most positive upbeat good soul I ever had the privilege to know. She will be missed. Now she can shoot par every round.
Mike, God has finally called Cris home. She has fought this battle with more courage than I have ever witnessed. Please know you and your entire family are in our prayers. Cris will be truly missed by so many of the lives she touched.
Sending you our love and prayers. Crisse was such a force of nature and we will miss her loving spirit and and bright personality. I loved hearing her cheering your family on from the sidelines! We will be sure to cheer extra loud in her honor. Love to all.
Love and prayers from the Samuels.
Always a bright and cheerful person, it must have been a distinct pleasure for students to be in her class. Her family will miss that cheerfulness too. Our sympathies.
Dear Mike, Michael, Nina, & family. We were so sorry to hear of Cris’ passing. Cris was such warm & caring person. We will always remember all the fun times at our boys games & weddings. Praying for God’s peace & comfort for all. Love, the Symons
Cris was a fellow teacher at North Allegheny. She was always smiling, positive, and willing to go the extra mile to aid her students or colleagues. Her son Mike was one of my excellent students and our parent-teacher conferences were always a joy. This wonderful lady will be sincerely mourned by all who were lucky enough to be acquainted with her.
Mike my heart aches for you and your family. I truly am a better person for getting to know Cris a lot better over the last few years. Her positivity, smile and zest for life will be something I’ll truly never forget.
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Pagnotto! Mr. Pagnotto, Mike, and Nina, I’m thinking of you and remembering all the good Mrs. Pagnotto did in the world around her.
We are so sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful person
I am so sorry-know that you are in our prayers.
Mrs. Pags will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a great family legacy, one which we all know she was very proud. We love the Pagnotto family and are thinking of you during this hard time.
My deepest sympathies to Micheal and the entire family on the loss of Cris. May the memories of her ease the burden of her loss each day.
We love you! She was such an amazing person!