Christine A. Sturm, 86, of Hilltop Avenue, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. She was the wife of the late William R. Sturm Sr., and the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucy (Christafano) DeBalsi. Mrs. Sturm was an executive secretary for the State of Rhode Island for 30 years before retiring in 1997. Christine was a communicant of Holy Angels Church and a member of its Woman’s Guild. She was also actively involved in the Senior Center.

​She is survived by four children; William R. Sturm Jr. of Middletown, Joseph D. Sturm of Barrington, Janice McPartland of Rehoboth, Mass. and Susan Eddins of Riverside, nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Rose Richardson and Ann Chace.​

Christine A. Sturm

By Janice M. McPartland

​Christine Angela DeBalsi Sturm otherwise known as Chris, Tina, Mom, Ma, Grandma or Great Grandma was born in her parents home on the corner of County Road and Hilltop Avenue Oct. 19, 1931. Christine attended and graduated from the Leander R. Peck Memorial High School (located next to the Town Hall) in 1949. She organized many high school reunions and valued her relationships with school friends all her life. She married William Sturm and settled in Barrington where she and her husband raised their four children.

​Chris was a high school athlete and member of the 4-H Club. She loved learning and encouraged everyone she knew to further his or her education. In fact, after raising her children, she returned to college and graduated from Roger Williams University in 1991, finally fulfilling her own life-long dream.  

​Anyone who knew her appreciated her energy and love of family and friends. She put her family first, and gave her children confidence to pursue their own dreams. Her kindness was shared with her church, relatives (there were many in town) friends, and the sick. She was known to make a meal or delicious dessert at a moments notice when someone was in need. Anyone who visited her home enjoyed her outstanding lasagna or meatballs, and always walked out the door with leftovers.

​After her passing, her children found a series of poems that she had written throughout her life. The following poem demonstrates a part of who she was. Christine’s life was celebrated on May 5, 2018. It was a beautiful day, filled with the colors and scents of spring and many of the people who loved her dearly.

What I Am

I could have been a lawyer, and to tell the truth, I am

For every now and then, you see, someone comes up to me and asks

“What would you do if you were me?”

A lawyer gives advice, doesn’t he?

A lawyer I could surely be.

I could have been a teacher, and to tell the truth, I am

For when I cook or clean or sew, someone comes to me and asks

“How did you do that certain task?”

A teacher tells us, does she not

A teacher I could surely be.

I could have been a doctor, and to tell the truth, I am

For when a friend’s not feeling well, and wants to know what he should take

“What would be good?” he asks of me

A doctor knows, doesn’t he?

A doctor I could surely be.

No matter what I could very well be, it’s what I am that God does see

No matter what my status or degree, it’s what I do that’s really me

So, live for God with love for all

And love your life

Just have a [meat] ball!

— C. A. Sturm