Christina T. VanAuken

In loving memory of Christina T. (Conte) VanAuken, affectionately known to all as Tina, who departed from this world on June 20, 2025, at the age of sixty-three. Born on January 7, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, Tina embodied warmth and compassion throughout her vibrant life. She graced the world with her outgoing spirit, her loving nature, and a humor that lit up the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Tina devoted many years of her professional life working for Fay's Drugs, ultimately finding her calling with Carrol’s Corporation, from which she retired. Her contributions were not only seen in her work but felt deeply by her colleagues and the community, as she always prioritized the needs of others above her own. Truly, she was always there for people — a steadfast friend and confidante who engaged with an open heart and a welcoming demeanor.

Her personal life was defined by her deep love for her family. Tina found her greatest joy in building her family, a proud accomplishment that she nurtured tenderly. She is survived by her beloved husband Steven VanAuken, and their two adoring sons, Brian (Kristina) VanAuken and Daniel (Sarah) VanAuken. The warmth of her love will forever remain in the hearts of her cherished grandchildren—Allison, Alexa, Audrey, Caiden, and Luke—as well as her great-grandson, Jaylen. Tina's lively spirit will also continue to flourish through her sister, Anna (Steven) Mosher, her sisters-in-law Theresa, Mary, and Linda, her brother-in-law Bobby (Sandy), James (Patricia), and numerous nieces and nephews whose lives she touched profoundly.

Tina's passions were as vibrant as her personality. She loved traveling and basking in the sun-soaked shores of the beach, spending delightful moments in her cherished home on the river and in Florida. Her sanctuary was as much in her nurturing of a family environment as it was in her hobbies—decorating spaces with love, immersing herself in the pages of captivating books, embracing the joy of Christmas, and indulging in the charm of Hallmark movies.

Tina is preceded in death by her loving parents, Sylvester and Mary Conte, and her sister Linda Felice, who welcomed her with open arms into the eternal embrace of love and light.

As we gather to celebrate her life, a visitation will be held on June 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM, both at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 N Main St, Syracuse, NY 13212. Subsequently, she will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 8668 County Route 57, Baldwinsville, NY 13027, during a graveside service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Christina's name, to the American Cancer Society.

Tina’s legacy is one of giving, of laughter, of warmth—and it leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her radiant spirit will forever illuminate our memories, as we find comfort in knowing she will always be with us in heart and spirit.

To leave a message of condolence for Christina's family, or to share a special memory of Christina, please sign the guestbook below.