Thomas and Catherine Jean Christie

Linda’s father was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Met her mother as a child, as she was his best friend’s sister. He served in the army in Italy, entertaining troops with movies! Medical School back in Glasgow, then married, moved to U.S. for internship and never went back. Found his final career as Vice President, Medical Affairs, Wyeth International, and Senior Medical Adviser to Corporate Legal Division. Taught his children about love, laughter, sports, music and dance. He said a few things about working hard and being frugal too, like all good Scots.

Catherine Jean Christie (AKA Jean), d. November 3, 2008.
Linda's mother was born in Johnstown, PA, but moved back to Glasgow, Scotland with her Scottish parents as a young girl.
She and her two brothers, Tom and Jim, whom she adored, grew up there. She was an excellent student, and thought about being a doctor like her brothers, but was essentially told that her options were to be a nurse or a teacher. She opted for the latter after getting her Masters Degree at Glasgow University. She married her older brother's best friend and moved the next day to Erie, PA, where Linda's father did his internship. She taught English and Math, but eventually put her career on hold while she raised her children. She had 4 babies in 5 years, and added a fifth 5 years later.
Jean was a devout Catholic, and a devoted wife and mother. In the years when Linda's father was traveling the world for weeks at a time to expand Wyeth's market, she was ruling the roost at home. Like the teacher she was, she reviewed her children's homework regularly, and taught them more about English and Math than anyone else. She counseled us through all of our trials in life, and reminded us to trust in God every step of the way.
In the end, Jean was almost blind, and limited in her physical abilities, but she found joy in reading books on tape, keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren, and going to church when she was able. She always reminded us to count our blessings rather than focus on our trials and tribulations. Good advice.