Christine Venslovas

CHESHIRE- Christine Ann Venslovas, 63, passed away Friday June 22, 2012 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford after succumbing to her battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). She was surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Edward D. Venslovas and the mother of Christina I. (Venslovas) Avigne.

She was born February 14, 1949 in Waterbury, daughter of the late Nicholas V. and Violet I. (Conner) Costantini.

Christine was a graduate of Kennedy High School Class of 1967. After high school she immediately went to nursing school. Christine was the Phlebotomy Instructor for Waterbury Adult Education, and developed the first certified phlebotomy course in Western CT. She was also a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Waterbury, a member of the Red Hat Society, an avid cook, rescued many animals, and loved being with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was the 2012 ALS Association Champion, awarded for her spirit, drive and encouragement. Christine was the 1st participant in the state for a Ceftriaxon study to find a cure for ALS. Post-diagnosis she dedicated her life to finding a cure.

Besides her husband she is survived by a daughter Christina and her husband Bryan Avigne of Southington, CT; a sister Carol and her husband Thomas Blake of Waterbury; two grandchildren Ryan and Zachary; three nephews E.J, Nicholas, and Michael Marzucca; a great niece Ashley; three great nephews Nicholas, Nathan, and Zachary: and a sister-in-law Naomi Lagasse.

Arrangements- A memorial service will be held in her honor on Thursday, July 12th at 9:30am at Christ Episcopal Church - 2030 East Main St., Waterbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Christine's name may be made to the ALS Association of Connecticut Milford Chapter, 4 Oxford Rd, Unit 4, Milford, 06460.