Christine Balabanian

opera. She loved dancing, especially with her brother Garo, and she enjoyed many types of music including big band and disco. Given her years in Wimbledon, she was naturally an avid tennis follower who never missed a grand slam match on TV. With her children and their friends she shared a passion for the San Francisco Giants that was founded at Candlestick Park in the 70’s and 80’s.

Christine was a selftaught chef who enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home. With her exceptional culinary skills she prepared delicious, and often excessive, feasts for large and small gatherings. While Armenian pilaf, kofta, dolma and boreg were her most famous dishes, her menu spanned multiple cuisines. She was an unparalleled hostess who demonstrated her love by nourishing and caring for people.

She was also unparalleled as a wife, mother and grandmother. She was the heart of her family. Christine was known affectionately as “Mom” by her children’s friends because she treated them like family. She even relished being a grandma to her daughter’s dogs. She was a most nurturing, compassionate, loving and charming woman.

Christine is survived by her husband David, daughter Lisa, son Mark, daughter-in-law Kristin, granddaughter Nina, grandson Garo, brother Michael Madath, sistersin-law Jenny Madath and Doris Rudolph, and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Yvonne Catchick and brother Garo Madath.

A celebration of Christine’s life will be held at a date to be determined.