Christine Elizabeth Cagney left this earth for the eternal rest of heaven on September 17, 2019, surrounded at home by her loving family. Chris courageously battled breast cancer for more than six years, strong and determined throughout, providing an incredible model of resiliency, positivity, and strength in the face of adversity for her family and friends.

A cherished mother to Jacquelyn, Tyler, and Ethan, Chris loved her children fiercely, nurtured them passionately, provided for them unwaveringly, and entertained them heartily. She was their beacon of light and their pillar of strength each and every day. She adored them, as they did her, and their shared experiences, which Chris valued and prioritized so much, will live on in many lifelong happy memories.

Born in the Bronx, New York to John and Agnes Cagney on October 16, 1968, Chris was raised in Yonkers, New York with a strong Irish Catholic upbringing that grounded her in her faith and shaped the rest of her life and her impact on this world. A resident of Illinois since 2004, Chris loved her home but always looked fondly upon her time in New York and was extremely proud of her roots.

Chris was a champion Irish stepdancer who competed domestically and abroad for many years. She had a brilliant mind and always strove to learn and enrich herself and others, from her earliest days at Saint Barnabas through her time at Fordham University and National Louis University, from which she combined to earn a Bachelor of Science degree and two Master's Degrees before pursuing a career in education. A devoted teacher and school administrator, education was her passion and her life's work. Chris valued learning immensely and was an advocate for all of her students, especially those in underserved populations. She worked tirelessly to help students succeed to the best of their abilities.

A devoted friend to many, she loved socializing with friends, both new and old. She loved attending concerts and other events and was equally as happy to be out as she was in, nestled with a good cup of tea and a gripping mystery novel she could share with her father, a bingeworthy show she could share with her children, a Scrabble game she could share with friends, or a favored movie from which she could recite, to the second, what was about to happen for anyone who would listen.

Christine is survived by her adoring children, Jacquelyn, Tyler, and Ethan; her father John; her sister and brother-in-law Joan and Terry Dwyer; her nephew Brian (Kaileigh) and her nieces Siobhan (Ryan) and Deirdre; and her grand-nephew Emmet. She is also survived by a large contingent of aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as an immeasurable number of friends from all aspects of her life. She was predeceased by her mother Agnes. The family would like to thank Dr. Janet Chin for her compassionate care for Chris throughout her illness.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 19, from 4 to 8 PM at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main Street, Wheaton, IL 60187. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 20, at 10 AM at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Christine Cagney to the University of Chicago Medicine. Checks may be made payable to the "University of Chicago" and sent to the following address: University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data, Christine Cagney Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60615. Or, you can donate online at: giving.uchicago.edu/christine-cagney .