Obituary of Christina F. Van Gemert

Christina/Tina (Fischer) Van Gemert, age 80, of Fairfield passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at her home while surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard (Dick) James Van Gemert. Born in Rochester, New York on November 19, 1945, she was a daughter of the

late Robert J. Fischer and Virginia Thurston Fischer.

Mrs. Van Gemert had been employed by Xerox Corporation as an executive assistant until her retirement with over 40 years of dedicated service, all the while building many friendships along the way.

Growing up in the Great Lakes snowbelt, Tina embraced the lifestyle, becoming an accomplished figure skater and alpine skier, as well as an avid boater and tennis player. An avid golfer, Tina always enjoyed playing a round on the links with friends and family that shared a similar interest and was known to be more than a bit competitive. As a skilled, graceful skier, she had many aspiring to command the slope as she had while always wearing the latest in ski chic. Tina and Dick were avid sailors, taking many trips throughout the east coast of the United States with Tina able to perfectly flemish any line on deck in record time.  Tina was an “expert” shopper and was generous to her family and friends with her finds. She had a knack for selecting the perfect outfits that were complemented with matching accessories.

A testament to the deep friendships that Tina curated in her life, was the large “Village” of people who supported her over the past 3 years with trips for infusions, doctor’s appointments, delicious meals, check-ins, etc. She, as well as her family, were touched and thankful for that support from so many “Angels.”

As stated by granddaughter, Megan, ”Tina was the kind of woman you don’t just love, you admire. Classy, smart, strong and so resilient. She made everyone feel seen, valued, and a little more special just by spending time with her. And she did everything with such grace and beauty, even to the end. Cheers to a truly incredible woman, may we carry a piece of her with us always.”

A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend of many, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her loving children, Michael Van Gemert and his wife Heather of Houston, TX, Holly del Rosario and her husband Ric of Cascais, Portugal, Carolyn Van Gemert of Madison, CT, and Bradley Van Gemert and his wife Elizabeth of Monroe, CT, her adored grandchildren, Jack, Stephen, Carter, Max, Christian, Austin, Courtney, Jessica, Megan, Connor, Emily, Baron and Duke, as well as her cherished niece, Susie Baker, of Phoenix, AZ as well as 6 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her beloved husband Richard, she was also predeceased by her sister, Bobbi Fischer, of Phoenix, AZ.

Friends may greet the family on the 17th day of April 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on the 18^th day of April 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Pius X Parish, 834 Brookside Dr., Fairfield. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation of Connecticut, https://wish.org/ct or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, https://giving.mskcc.org

For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.