As a child Christine faced physical limitations that would have overshadowed many lives but she became the definition of perseverance. She began undergraduate work at the University of Idaho and paused her studies to marry her first husband, Norman Westlake, and raise her two sons, Robert and Christopher. She returned to college at the Western Connecticut State University. Juggling family and full time studies, she graduated magna cum laude in Education and served on a college Presidential search committee. She moved to St. Margaret’s McTernan School in Waterbury, CT where she taught middle school math and science. Her classroom was filled with rocks and crystals she had collected herself in caves throughout New England to benefit her students.
Christine later called Boise, Idaho, home and there met the love of her life, Andrew Sorenson. Christine and Andrew married in 1990 and eventually settled in Irrigon where they built up a life together close to fishing, the outdoors, and shared a love for expert cooking. She owned Christine’s Storage in town and built a loyal following of customers. Christine also became a pillar of the community with service of uncommon depth and breadth including the Lion’s Club, the Moose Lodge, Treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, and membership on the City Council.
Her family cherishes the many gifts she passed on: a strong sense of duty, honor, pursuit of dreams, and insistence that all strive to do the right thing. Conversations with Christine were a mental exercise of wit and if outdone she rewarded one with a boisterous laugh that made everyone smile. We love you with all our hearts Christine, and will always cherish the huge impact you had on our lives.
Christine was preceded in death by her parents, youngest brother Andy, first husband Norman Westlake, and beloved cat “Little Man” Buster. She is survived by her steadfast husband Andrew, sons Robert (Susan) and Christopher (Linda) Westlake, grandchildren Lindsay and Cooper, sister-in-law Carol Venn and nieces Emilee, Melissa, Monica, Hannah, and Sadie. She also leaves behind her cherished dogs Sioux and Chloe.
A service will be held at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston Saturday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. and followed by a celebration of her life at noon at Stokes Landing Senior Center in Irrigon. The family respectfully requests that we honor Christine’s giving spirit with donations to Wounded Warriors, the Lions Club, or Vange John Memorial Hospice in lieu of flowers.
Please send condolences at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
