Christine Bodnar Diaz , 51, of Concord, Massachusetts passed peacefully on 18 January 2023 after a sudden illness. She is survived by her daughters Katie and Bowie Diaz of Concord; her mother Elizabeth Bodnar, sister Samantha Collier, brother-in-law Brack Collier, and nephew John Collier, all of Harrisonburg, Virginia, as well as countless close friends who miss her dearly.

Christine was a woman of many roles and passions: a resourcefully intelligent and loving mother, devoted daughter and sister, successful and well-respected businesswoman, lover of literature, talented writer, generous volunteer and curious traveler of the world.

She was born 16 September 1971 in Manhasset, New York and spent her childhood summers at the beach on Long Island where her love for the ocean began. The family moved to New Canaan, CT where Christine graduated from New Canaan High School and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT.

Compassionate Leader ... With her keen mind, strong writing and organizational abilities, she found her way into the business world. Over the years she worked for a variety of technology firms including Hewlett-Packard, SAP and Gartner; the global HR consulting giant Mercer (Marsh & McLennan) and most recently at NVIDIA. She was greatly respected for her level-headed ability to build and grow high-performance teams and manage the demands of multiple internal and external "clients." Yet she was able to be the "boss" who inspired, encouraged and grew the capabilities of the people reporting to her.

Christine personified the words of Matshona Dhliwayo: "Your mind shines brightest when you enlighten others; your heart, when you encourage others; your soul, when you elevate others; and your life, when you empower others." She demonstrated that even in the competitive business world, potent leadership and deep compassion need not be mutually exclusive.

Passion for Giving … Even with the intense demands of family and work, she was passionate about giving of herself to those in need and to causes important to her. "My sister was giving of her time and talent to causes that she cared most deeply about — our democracy (working at the polls), volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, and mentoring college students and work colleagues — helping them grow and succeed. She gave her full self to others, without hesitation."

Traveler, Writer, Lover of Literature … Woven throughout her myriad responsibilities and career building, she adventured around the world, living for two years in the UK while working for HP, and visiting most of Europe, Australia, Easter Island, South America and Asia.

Christine was a talented writer, actively expanding her expressive capabilities, taking graduate creative writing courses at Harvard. A deep thinker, she delighted in living in the town of Concord, home to Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, two of her favorite author philosophers. She would often enjoy walking the Concord woods and sitting on Egg Rock, knowing that Emerson and Thoreau spent time there in observation and contemplation, just as she was sitting there herself — in observation and contemplation.

Lovingly Committed Mother … But the role she treasured most was being Mother to Katie and Bowie. To them, she was an inspirational role model: "Strong, intelligent, independent, creative, empathetic, insightful, giving, open and flexible, and very protective of us." Even as a single mom, she reveled tirelessly in guiding them through the trials and triumphs of growing their talents, identities and dreams through the years.

When they moved to Concord, Christine worked hard to make their new home really "feel like home" to the girls. As Bowie recalls: "She was there for every single milestone — school achievements, birthdays, starting high school, learning to drive." She shared her joy of experiences with them so that they could experience those joys: beaching and kayaking on Cape Cod, brunching at the Colonial Inn, travelling to all her favorite places in England. "Camping was always a big one, she LOVED camping." Katie recalls, "I remember when Bowie and I would go to sleep in the tent and she would stay out waiting for the fire to die down … she always wanted to just sit under the stars." And then the beautiful mornings together in the clear air.

She was the mother her daughters could snuggle in bed with — and with Toby the dog. She was the mother who shared her spiritual explorings, who was always very willing to drive or help any of her girls' friends in need. "Whether this was a ride to a concert or a temporary place to stay, she was always so caring and considerate of people I cared about. There were no bounds to her kindness!" She was the mother both her daughters were deeply proud of, "The best one we could have hoped for."

Celebration of Life … A Celebration of Life will be held on 4 February 2023 at 10:30 am at the First Parish, 20 Lexington Road, Concord, Massachusetts.

Please click here to attend Christine's service remotely via church livestream.

Zoom Meeting ID: 862 8632 7497

Passcode: 717628

A Difference … Christine lived too few years in the human measurement of time. Yet in the timelessness of eternity, her life was complete — in Love. In the words of Emerson … "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."

Christine made a difference.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton

Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.