Obituary: Chrissy Hassel

Chrissy Hassell, 34 (PHOTO:Carmody Flynn Memorial Home

BOCA RATON, FL –Christine Patricia Hassel, 34, of Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Bloomington, passed away at her home on Monday, October 14, 2019.

Chrissy was born May 20, 1985 in Chicago, the daughter of Stephen T. and Roberta J. “Bobbi” Inserra Hassel. She was a valedictorian of the 2003 graduating class of Normal Community High School. She received her undergraduate degree in International Studies from American University in Washington, D.C. and her master’s degree in Religion & Philosophy from Columbia University in New York.

Chrissy was an avid yogi, sun and beach enthusiast, music lover and passionate believer in women’s rights and equality for all humans.  She touched many with her singing voice and even more with her smile. Although she ultimately lost her battle with alcoholism, she fought tirelessly to help others struggling with similar demons to find peace and leaves behind a legacy of light, love, strength and unwavering compassion.

She is survived by her parents, Steve and Bobbi Hassel of Bloomington; three siblings Meghan (Ken) Hawkins of Bloomington, Kevin Hassel of Chicago and Kimmy Hassel of Bloomington; a niece, Evelyn Hawkins; maternal grandmother Dorothy Inserra of Park Ridge and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, D. Robert Inserra and paternal grandparents, Ed and Patricia Hassel.

Her funeral will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at St. Patrick Church of Merna with Rev. Dustin Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, October 21 at the church. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Merna.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Refuge, A Healing Place, 14835 SE 85th St. Road, Ocklawaha, FL 32179.   A scholarship in Chrissy’s name will be set up for women seeking treatment.  https://www.therefuge-ahealingplace.com/

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…