Christina Jo “Tina” Traxler, 68 of LaPorte, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025. She was born May 8, 1956, in Garrett, Indiana, the daughter of Omer C. and Betty L. (Kovets) Traxler. Tina had a personality that was inherently determined, unstoppable, and feisty. These attributes are what motivated her to return to school later in life, after raising three children as an Army wife and driving a school bus for ten years. In 2006, at the age of 50, she earned her Associate Degree and passed The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam (ARRT) to become a Radiologic Technologist. She spent most of her career as a Radiology Tech working at Porter Regional/Northwest Health and then at Valparaiso Medical Center. She retired in September of 2023 after 18 years.
Tina always had a great sense of humor and was known for her inappropriate jokes; unfiltered and honest. She was a dedicated and loving mother, phenomenal cook, avid gardener, and had a passion for caring for her flock of chickens. Her animal loving soul connected with many different animals but none more than her soul dogs, Attila the Pug and Dodi. Above all else, Tina loved her family. Her devotion to her three children was unmatched and immeasurable. Then in 2019, she joyously adopted her three grandchildren, again showing her adoration and infinite love. Yet, she didn’t stop there; she dedicated her time to helping and attending all five of her grandchildren’s activities that ranged from school events to sports, band, piano, 4-H, and Boy Scouts.
Tina is survived by her children, Sarah Pistorio and Ian (Andri) Desormeaux; grandchildren, Josh, Kristi, and Aiden Desormeaux and Hailey and Caiden Pistorio; and siblings, Cindi Bledsoe, Howard Traxler, Luanne Headings, and Michael Traxler. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, George “James” Desormeaux II.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Time of Sharing beginning at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TAPS - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
GUESTBOOK
May your family continue to grow in the splendors of Tina's life from the shores of Sylvan Lake to the peak of Mt. Baldy, from the bottom of her heart-warming grace, to the top of every holiday meal that she shared with traditions weaving in and out of the tapestry of our lives that she connected for eternal love. -Howard and Karen Traxmor
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I have many great memories of Tina. Her laughter, sense of humor, love of life and just being plain ornery. -Bridget Wengert
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Tina was quite the person. She was loving, honest, adventurous, strong, spirited and oh so ornery. She will be missed by many and I will cherish each memory. May her strength live on in each of you during this difficult time. With love and prayers, -Leslie Keller and family
I was blessed to grow up with Tina…and we spent many childhood days staying overnight with each other, being confirmed and baptized in the Catholic Church, and went to kindergarten to graduation together! Her mom, Betty was my mom’s best friend and so we all spent time together. Time separated us, and although we planned on getting together soon, we didn’t. I’m sorry my friend for that! I’ll miss your strange sense of humor, your honesty, your laughter and all the times you jumped out of a corner or from behind a door, just to hear me scream! I love you sister. Rest well! I’ll see you again soon, -Anita Jo Chambers Taylor
