Christina A. Kirkpatrick Palmer, 49, of Valparaiso passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the Riley Residence in Munster, Indiana. She was born August 16, 1973, in Valparaiso to Alan & Jean (Eclarin) Kirkpatrick and graduated from Wheeler High School in 1991. Christina made her career for the past 20 years as an assistant manager at Tony’s Place in downtown Valparaiso. Her family and especially her grandkids to whom she was known as “Nani” were the center of her life. But that doesn’t mean food wasn’t important. Christina seemed to be able to perform acts of gastronomic gluttony when crab legs, lobster or steak were served. Her flower garden provided pride and solitude when she needed it most, and her jewelry provided the pizzaz she needed when her mood required it.
Survivors include her children; Tyler (Khari) Palmer, Michael Palmer & Miranda Palmer all of Valparaiso, grandchildren; Ian & Ashton Palmer, her father & step-mother, Alan & Donna Kirkpatrick of Wheeler, brother, Alan Kirkpatrick of Portage, her former husband, James Palmer, fiancé, Michael Oliver, longtime companion and “step-father” to her children, Jon Gold of Valparaiso, and three beloved and spoiled cats; Romeo, Louie & Davinci. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Kirkpatrick.
A private visitation and funeral service will be held at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with burial at Graceland Cemetery.
GUESTBOOK
We called her Sparkly. Christina was absolutely the best! Tony’s won’t be the same without her. Our sympathies to her family and friends. Rest In Peace Christina. And I am sure you have the sparkliest Angel wings ever. -The Sunday Pizza crew
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Christina was taken much too early. May your wonderful memories of Christina bring you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, -Ramona Eshoo
I have been going to Tony’s since I was born, and I was always so excited to go because I knew I would get to see Christina. I am now 22 years old and I will forever remember coming to Tony’s with my family and getting to see our favorite waitress. Christina would always set aside little goody bags for me and my younger brother for the Trick-or-treat downtown Valpo. We were always greeted by Christina with a hug and telling us “look how big you have gotten!”. Every time I walk through Tony’s door from now on I will remember Christina’s smile and hugs. She always made us smile! Christina will always be a part of my favorite childhood memories! -Peyton Perez
Christina was awesome! Always a smile..great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed. Gone way too young. You have our condolences. -Rob Harkel
Our deepest sympathies to the Kirkpatrick-Palmer family. Christina had such a zest for life and a beautiful soul. When my daughter was younger we always went to Tonys after her dance recitals and always looked for Christina who showered all my kids with love. As they grew she always inquired about them when we saw her. She will be deeply missed. -Michelle Garpow
Christina had a very loving and welcoming spirit. We only had a short time here on earth, but so connected. Christina called me mom and I called her my daughter in Love. I will miss you. I thank the Lord for this precious opportunity to have met and loved His daughter….-Linda Deering
Rest in peace Chrissy, you were such a sweet soul always bringing light and love to every situation. Gone way too soon, you will be missed by your family more than you know. Love to the Palmer family during this time, especially my cousin Miranda. -Savannah Rose Shaver
Words cannot express how heartbroken our family is. The world has lost a lot of sparkle with the passing of Christina. I grew up going to Tony's Place and met Christina in my early teens. I was always in awe of her shine, energy & friendliness. She saw my relationship grow (with my now husband), she served for our wedding rehearsal dinner, my 21st birthday and many other birthdays in between. She cried when she saw the ultrasound of my son and has watched him grow for the past 10 years. She lovingly looked at him and spoke to him as if she was his own mother. She was one of the first people to sign his cast when he broke his leg. Christina has left an impact on our community and those of us who love her, owe it to the world to continue on with her sparkle. -The Dombrowski Family
Christina is just one of those people you meet and Immediately knew she was unique and special. Over the past two years since my sons unexpected passing, she and I developed a very close friendship. There is no explanation as to why these two lovely people left us as early and untimely as they did. I will forever remember Christina for her joyful heart, her outward and inward beauty. She loved her children and grandchildren deeply and was so proud of them ! She always looked so gorgeous and stylish !! She was funny and witty and had such a great head on her shoulders. When around her..you felt happy and comfortable. I can’t imagine her being anything but a peacemaker. My son was smitten by her and it was so easy to see why. My family and friends who got to know her absolutely adored her ! Rest easy sweet Christina. You will be loved, missed and remembered always my beautiful friend. -Danielle MacDonald
My deepest sympathy. Truly one of the nicest, warmest and kindest people I have ever met. -Jeff Shaw
I just want to say I love Christina so much she was so kind to me and a great family friend. Sometimes life isn’t fair, she will be greatly missed. I am praying for her now, and her son Mikey whom I’ve been friends with for years and years. Heaven gained a beautiful Angel. -Elleigh Beck
