By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
Late Saturday evening, Aug. 14, the Independent learned that a 56-year-old Elmhurst woman had been killed in a two-vehicle collision earlier that day.
McHenry County officials issued a report indicating that Christina Smith was driving a black GMC southbound on Route 31 when a white Acura TLX coming from the opposite direction crossed over the line and struck her car head-on.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle was reported to be a 30-year-old female from Ft. Atkinson, Wis. She sustained unknown injuries and was taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, after which she was transported by air to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with “serious injuries,” according to the McHenry County Sheriff’s office.
The accident remains under investigation by McHenry County officials.
Following is Christina’s obituary with funeral information:
Christina Smith, 56
Christina Rose Smith was born April 26, 1965, and taken into God’s loving arms on Aug. 7, 2021, at the age of 56. Chrissy lived her life surrounded by family and friends. A “middle child” (as she reminded everyone), she brought friends into the fold who became family. Chrissy united and connected ALL as she raced through her life to make it to somebody’s next important moment
or event. She connected easily with everyone and even adopted the friends of her family members. She knew what was important to each person because they became part of her story too.
Chrissy was the epitome of living life to the fullest. From riding her bike, playing tennis or golf, swimming, or paddle boarding to spontaneously visiting her friends and family, she was
always on the go. She traveled and continued to collect more friends along the way. She was passionate about good food, good wine, and good music. She loved the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, Indiana Hoosiers, and Raphael Nadal (to name a few). Her zest for life was unmatched.
As a professional, she did not accept mediocrity in serving her clients. She was an excellent physical therapist professionally and personally to family members, friends and strangers that
became her community. She was recently honored for 15 years of service with Athletico and here are some things said about her from her professional world: “Christina was universally well-liked and respected for her clinical capabilities, commitment to her patients, and for her friendship. She loved to laugh. She offered her time and talent wherever and whenever possible, having seen patients at 58 different Athletico clinics in the first half of 2021 alone. Christina never turned down an opportunity to help out another in need, and we can all grow from her examples of compassion for others, vigor for life, and being a dependable friend and colleague.”
Chrissy was a daughter, sister, super aunt, cousin, friend, neighbor, athlete, mentor, and community supporter. She juggled those roles with love in her heart and unending energy and dedication. Thank you, Chrissy, for your example of love and giving of self to others. Rest in peace.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road. Friends and family will meet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 134 Arthur Street. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to IC Catholic Prep “In Memory of Christina Smith,” 217 Cottage Hill Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126; or Girls on the Run – Chicago, 1415 North Dayton Street, Suite 112, Chicago, IL 60642. For information, please call 630-832-0018 or visit gibbonsfuneralhome.com
[Editor’s note: Information for this story was obtained through reports of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department and other news sources.]
