Christine Marie Longhurst
January 23, 1948 ~ June 5, 2025
Christine Marie Longhurst daughter of Geraldine and Louis Piorkowski, born 23 Jan 1948, and sister to Louis (deceased), Shirley (deceased) and Victor Piorkowski, has passed beyond this life and received into the Kingdom of Heaven in God the Father, the Son and bathed in the Holy Spirit at the age of 77 due to respiratory complications. Christine passed peacefully within a few hours after receiving Last Rites, at 12:52 AM on 5 June 2025. Christine is survived by her husband Donald A. Longhurst with whom they shared a life of 62 years with two sons, Donald L Longhurst and Daniel V Longhurst and their wives respectively Cassandra Moore an Li Longhurst. Christine is also survived by her youngest brother Victor Piorkowski, his son Dean Piorkowski and his wife Katie and great nephew Matthew.
Christine’s legacy includes five grandchildren, Rowan and Vaughn by Donald and Cassandra and August, Leona and Hugh by Daniel and Li. Christine was a consummate Mom to all that entered her home. Christine always wanted all children and anyone that entered her home to know that they were always welcomed, loved and “Could she get you something to eat?” and “Here, take this with you.”
Christine taught children to read, play and to learn all they could at every opportunity. Christine was an artist across a broad range of media and methods including pastels, oils, needlework of all kinds, from clothing, quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch candle wicking and musical vocalist. Christine enjoyed entertainment that had an underlying message of love and caring. I think the state of the world we live in today truly saddened her. Christine loathed war and hatred though probably left 24-hour news channels running on the TV a bit too much.
Raising a growing family at the height of the Vietnam War and its’ final days, Christine organized a troupe of musicians, artists, and performers to produce and direct a variety show, The Just Us, for returning soldiers at several VA Hospitals from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL during the closing years of the war in the 1970s. The troupe had their versions of Elvis, The Rhinestone Cowboy, Mini Pearl and a broad spectrum or Country, Folk, Rock, and comedy. There were no stars or divas and everyone was a roadie. If you were there, you had a role to play and work to do and everyone got the chance to shine in the spotlight.
Christine did not like the way soldiers were being treated when they were given no real good choice to do a job no matter how objectionable that job was. She felt that they too needed to know they were still loved. Christine had a long relationship with pain having been diagnosed with juvenile onset rheumatoid arthritis. Though unless you knew her well, you would never have known this in her ability to demonstrate her love of life and learning.
She did not openly share her pain with everyone, though she did with those closest to her that knew and had a shared empathy. Could Chistine be objectionable? In a word, yes, not without cause and always in the defense of those being unwarrantedly wronged by the attitudes and behaviors of those that were no better than themselves. Christine’s love, strength and the beauty of her heart and soul will be sorely missed. It would be her wish that her legacy live on in those she leaves behind to carry on that love and defend those too weak to defend themselves due to no fault of their own or at the expense of others.
There are those among us that might disagree, because we tend to sadly cling to the memories that caused us pain, but, in truth, if you take a moment, you know that Christine would want you to know, “You were, are and will always be loved. Christine, Mom, Busha, you will be missed and not soon forgotten…
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I remember going to the house in Racine with my family and Chris made the BEST buttered noodles!
I cannot begin to express my profound saddens and sympathies for your loss and for you and your family. We met Christine (this is the first time I’ve ever called her that- she was always Mrs Longhurst or Dan’ mom in conversation ) 14 years ago when we moved to Georgia. She made us feel like we were family from the moment we met, My kids have referred to her as Busha, since the beginning when Auggie told my son that’s what he called her or Oma.. Well Busha, was in ear shot and said you can call me that too if you want- and just like that my kids adopted her. She made me feel like they loved us and my kids as their own. Welcoming us at every holiday and family get together asking how we were in a relay from Dan or Li (whom I think of as my family). There are just so many emotions and memories attached to her and the love and kindness she showed & shared withus and everyone. If I had to describe her she was love, kindness, smiles, encouragement and support. There is not a moment that she did not offer a hug (she gave the best hugs) or an ear to listen. We love you and will hold you fiercely in our memories and in our hearts
Christine M Longhurst (nee Piorkowski) the young woman who wanted to marry me, and two years after meeting her she did. A marriage on earth lasting till she died 62 years later, and will last through eternity. She gave to me a beautiful family, a lifetime of love and encouragement. Truly the woman I love was, and is, a gift from Heaven. I thank God for all the time together he has given us.
Three Words That Describe Christine
Loving
To me, Christine was the definition of love. She made everyone feel welcome—whether you were family, friend, or simply someone passing through her door. Her first instinct was always to offer care: “Can I get you something to eat?” wasn’t just a question—it was how she showed love. I always felt loved, safe, seen, and valued around her. Her love was steady, selfless, and genuine.
Creative
Christine had a beautiful way of expressing herself. Her creativity showed up in so many forms—through her decor, quilts, handmade clothing, and the way she brought joy into ordinary moments. She taught me to see beauty in small things and to use every gift as a way to bless others.
Compassionate
What I admired most was Christine’s compassion. She carried deep empathy for others—especially those who were in need. hurting or overlooked. Whether she was organizing performances for veterans, comforting someone in pain, or quietly living with her own illness, she did it all with grace and strength. Christine never turned away from those in need; she stepped in with kindness.
Loving, Creative, Compassionate—these words remind me every day of the incredible woman Christine was. I miss her deeply and feel honored to carry a piece of her legacy in my heart.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
—1 Corinthians 13:13
Four girls surrrounding Chris on our 50th wedding anniversary, two grandaughters provided by our two sons and their wives, and two cousins (grandaughters provided by love, as their ancestor grandparents are far away or no longer with us.) So proud that we can be called their grandparents.
When Chris and I married, she was just under 18. On our Honeymoon I was somewhat nervous taking her across a state line. Forever after, and for the rest of her life, she carried a copy of our marriage license in her purse no matter where we went.
Christine, always a smile when the children were young, and on the journey of getting older. Always lovely as ever. Will miss her for the short time we will be apart. Will always love her.
Many of our fondest memories as children come from the beautiful events Busha planned and put together every year. From Easter to July 4th to Thanksgiving to New Year’s, her thoughtfulness and attention to the kids made each holiday a genuine celebration, rather than a mere formality. Busha had a huge, caring heart, and we are honored to have been part of her life. She exemplified what joy can be found in celebrating the little things and taught through her actions the importance of family and community. She was such a loving person. We send love and strength to you all during this difficult time.
– Katherine, Krystal, and Patrick Wu
Its been many years, but Im a little late I had a dream about you, so I went looking. You were an Angel 😇 on earth to all who new you . You always treated me as you had always known me and great hugs. Your smile and laugh was always so infectious. You will be deeply missed. Your friend M.S.