Christine G. Near

WESTFIELD - Christine G. Near, 77, of 9B Springview Drive, Westfield, formerly of Hartfield-Stockton Road, Dewittville, died Wednesday (Jan. 28, 2009) in her home.

She was born Dec. 30, 1931 in Bronx, N.Y., the daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Conners Navarro. She was a homemaker, nurse, and a foster parent for more than 20 years.

She was a member of the Westfield Women of the Moose and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mayville.

Christine moved from the city to the simpler life, enjoying the farm life for many years with her husband. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, baking and spending time with her family and her dog, Tiger.

She is survived by five children: Michael Near of Stockton, Laura (Scott) Ondreako of Westfield, Theresa Gervaise of Westfield, Raymond Near of Westfield, and Richard Near of Bamberg, Germany, currently deployed to Iraq; three grandsons: Dustin (Joy) Kester of Walworth, N.Y., Jacob Near of Westfield, and Steven Near of Troy, Utah; one great-grandson Micah; and three brothers: Walter Navarro of Mayville, Richard Navarro of Mayville and Michael Navarro of Jamestown.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale M. Near, whom she married July 1, 1950, in New York City, and who died Sept. 14, 2006; two sons: Gerald Near and Steven Near; one grandson, Michael Near; two sisters: Theresa Hughes and Mary Navarro; and three brothers: Henry Navarro, Raymond Navarro, and William Hudson.

The funeral service will be held at noon Saturday in the Freay Funeral Home, Mayville. The Rev. William Leslie, chaplain with Hospice, will officiate. Burial will be in the Mayville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday prior to the funeral service, in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 4840 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY, 14757.