Christine Victoria Ortiz-Gatlin

Christine Victoria Ortiz-Gatlin, 73, born in Shirley, Massachusetts, a longtime resident of Galveston, Texas, surrounded by her loving family, peacefully went to heaven on Sunday, June 14, 2026. With her steadfast faith, Christine bravely battled duodenal cancer.

Christine was the eldest of five children born to the late Carlos Ortiz and Victoria Ortiz. The family lived in Chicago, Illinois, until she was 12, before relocating to Deer Park, Texas. She graduated from Deer Park High School in 1971 and dedicated her life to championing young children. Over 30 years, her studies and career centered on Early Childhood Education. She earned an Associate Degree in Child Development from San Jacinto College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Multicultural Education with emphasis in Early Childhood Education from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She served as a Day Care director in Pasadena, a bilingual teacher in Goose Creek CISD, a professor at San Jacinto College, and retired as the Early Childhood department chair at San Jacinto College. Even in retirement, she continued fueling her passion by working part-time as a consultant for Head Start and supporting SMART Family Literacy.

A loving woman, devoted wife, cherished mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend, Christine deeply loved her God, her extended family, and her many friends. She lit up every room with her warm, friendly smile, often followed by her infectious laugh.

Christine filled her days with memorable celebrations for family and friends. She and her devoted late husband, Barry, loved entertaining. Holidays enlivened their home with laughter, music, and abundant good food for family of all ages. A milestone birthday could feature a quartet and a multi-course meal. Mardi Gras celebrations packed their home with friends and family in traditional green, gold, and purple costumes, enjoying hearty gumbo, spicy red beans and rice, savory jambalaya, and sweet King’s cake. Come summertime, Granny and PawPaw jammed their truck with tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear for camping adventures with their grandkids, family, and friends.

She volunteered in many roles at Galveston Central Church, including support for the Grace Clinic.

She also embraced physical activity with joy. She and Barry ran the New York Marathon, participated in RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), and completed two mini-triathlons, sharing these challenges with friends.

Christine is survived by her mother, Victoria Ortiz; three sisters, Nancy DeCoster, Cindy Stolarski (Phil), and Linda Ortiz; daughter, Laura Wharry (Michael), and stepson, Barry Joseph Gatlin; three grandchildren, Elise Gatlin (Jesus), Chloe “Coco” Wharry, and Forest Wharry; one great-grandson, Solomon; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends, including her Bible Study group, the Tuesday Happy Hour group, and the Mahjong group.

She was preceded in death by her father, Carlos Ortiz, and her brother, Chuck Ortiz.

The family thanks MD Anderson for their compassionate care during Christine’s journey, as well as her wonderful neighbors in Galveston, who went above and beyond in caring for her. A memorial service has been set for Friday, July 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary at Moody Methodist Church, 2803 53rd Street, Galveston, TX 77551.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SMART Family Literacy, Inc. or The Grace Clinic at Galveston Central Church.