Christine Marie McDonough
2/24/1950 - 7/25/2025
Obituary of Christine Marie McDonough
February 24, 1950 - July 25, 2025
Christine Marie McDonough, a beloved daughter, cousin, and friend, passed away unexpectedly of medical complications on July 25, 2025, at CHI St. Luke's Hospital in Lake Jackson, Texas at the age of 75. She was born on February 24, 1950, in Commerce, Texas, and from her earliest days, Christine radiated a quiet strength and gentle kindness that would touch all who knew her.
Despite facing challenges associated with autism, Christine drew resilience and optimism from her Catholic faith. She was baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville, Texas, on April 16, 1950. From an early age, her commitment to faith and compassion was fostered as an active parishioner at Our Lady of Grace in South Houston, Texas. Christine valued participating in Sunday Mass with her parents in her youth and could be often seen demonstrating reverence to the Holy Trinity through the Sign of the Cross.
Christine graduated from Pasadena (Texas) High School in 1968 and subsequently enjoyed a distinguished 35-year tenure at NASA's Johnson Space Center mail room in Houston, Texas, retiring in 2005. She lived independently for the majority of her adult life, reflecting her determination and resilience. Throughout her career, Christine was an integral part of the NASA mail room team, demonstrating consistent dedication and professionalism. Her contributions were valued by her NASA colleagues who loved receiving Astronaut photos from her and who admired her kind and helpful work ethic. Her father, Martin Patrick McDonough, who served as a librarian also at NASA's Johnson Space Center until the age of 84, supported her by driving her to work every day until his own passing.
Christine found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was a fervent fan of Elvis Presley and cherished classic television shows such as M*A*S*H*, Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show, and Let's Make a Deal. Her favorite astronaut of all time was Robert (Bob) Crippen! Her favorite color was her birthstone amethyst, and she delighted in the vibrant beauty of cardinals, her favorite bird. Christine's warmth was best captured in her gentle expressions like ''Oh, yes sweetie,'' and her playful caution, ''Watch out for those crazy drivers!''
Christine is survived by her loving third cousins, Nancy and Howard Armstrong, Garry and Linda Mize, Deedrea Mize, and numerous fourth cousins who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, her maternal and paternal grandparents, her cherished Aunt Sally and Uncle Bill Kelly.
A private family ceremony officiated by her cousin, Garry Mize, will honor Christine's life and legacy. Services are entrusted to Freeport-Lakewood Funeral Homes in Lake Jackson, Texas. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Oak Village and Carriage Inn in Lake Jackson, Texas for their care and support in Christine's later years.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Christine McDonough's name to SciAccess, a non-profit organization advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics opportunities for the disabled community, or to Our Lady of Grace, 1211 Michigan Street, South Houston, TX 77587.
Christine will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her steadfast faith, and the quiet courage with which she lived her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration to all who knew her.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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