SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. - Christina M. DeWitte (nee Garcia), 34, formerly of Waukesha, lost her yearlong battle with leukemia Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, Calif. She was born in Waukesha on June 16, 1967, the daughter of Belia (Betty) Garza and Salvador Garcia Jr.

Christina grew up in Wales and graduated from Kettle Moraine High School in 1985. She married Shawn DeWitte, U.S. Marine gunnery sergeant, Nov. 2, 1991, in San Clemente, Calif. During their 10-year marriage they were stationed in California, Japan and Okinawa. Chris was proud to be a military wife and loved to travel overseas.

Chris was a strong, independent woman who lived life to the fullest. Her passion for life was also reflected in her love for her family and friends. Those who knew Chrisy enjoyed her humorous spirit and fun-loving nature. Her home was a welcome haven to all. Everyone who met her was touched by her compassion and deep commitment to others. Her life centered around her dear husband, Shawn, and beautiful daughter, Tiana. Chrisy loved her position as an executive assistant for APInc. in San Juan Capistrano, and being the secretary for the San Clemente Girl Scouts of America. Chris was a devoted member of Capo Calvary Church in Capo Beach, Calif. Chris’ personal faith in God was the strength in her life, especially through her illness.

She will be deeply missed by her husband and best friend, Shawn DeWitte, and her precious daughter, Tiana; her loving stepchildren, Shanna and Brennan of South Dakota; her dedicated parents, Betty Garza of California and Sal Garcia and stepmother Cindy of Nevada; her dear brother and sister-in-law, Salvador III (Chippy) and Dana Garcia of Waukesha; and beloved grandmother, Margarita Garcia of Waukesha. She will also be sadly missed by her father-in-law, Rodney DeWitte of Arizona; her mother-in-law, Sondra (Norman) Feldman of South Dakota; her brothers-in-law, Scott (Mary) and Steve DeWitte of South Dakota; her grandmother-in-law, Martha Cook of South Dakota; and her aunts and uncles, Uncle Johnny (Mary) Garza of Kenosha, Tia Rosa Anderson of Kenosha, Tia Lola Flores of Waukesha, Uncle Junior (Mary) Garza of Kenosha, Uncle Ray Llanas of Kenosha, Mel (Jessie) Garza of Kenosha, Tia Susie (TR) of Kenosha, Tia Olivia (Henry) Garcia of Waukesha, Tia Juanita Garza of Kenosha, Tia Paula Rodriguez of Kenosha, Uncle John (Judy) Garcia of Ripon, Uncle Al (Renee) Garcia of Waukesha, Aunt Margi (Andy) Lang of Waukesha and Uncle Mike (Sheri) Garcia of Pewaukee. She is further survived by many cousins, relatives and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by her cherished grandfather, Salvador Garcia Sr.; her grandparents, Serapio and Siria Garza; her aunt and uncles, Tia Cleo Llanas, Uncle Andy Anderson and Uncle Eddie Garcia; and her dear cousin, Freddie Anderson.

Friends and family may call from 3 p.m. until the 4 p.m. memorial service Sunday, Dec. 30, at Elmbrook Church, 777 S. Barker Road, Brookfield, WI 53045.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Regional Cancer Center in Orange, Calif., are appreciated.