Christina "Chris" Marie Leary Amabile

Christina (“Chris”) Marie Leary Amabile (February 3, 1939 to July 12, 2026)

Christina – she of the glistening smile, bright blue eyes, keen intellect, and remarkable recall of facts and stories – passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of Sunday July 12, after a prolonged illness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Christina is survived by her husband of 62 years, John; her two loved and loving children Tracy Ann Amabile Kotheimer (Joe) of Newnan, Georgia and John Christoper (Susan) of Smyrna, Georgia; her four adored grandsons – John, Marc, Aidan and Liam – who fondly call her G-Ma; and by her brother Ned Leary of Bozeman, Montana.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts to Edward & Gertrude Leary and raised in West Newton, Massachusetts, Christina graduated from Newton High School and maintained many of those friendships over the decades. After high school, Christina ventured to New York where she graduated from the College of New Rochelle. Christina moved to New York City to work as a programmer in the then-developing field of information technology.

Christina met her husband John in New York City in 1962 and they married in Newton, Massachusetts on November 23, 1963. Together, Christina and John built a life centered on family, friendship, travel, faith, and service to the communities they called home. After the birth of their children, Christina and John moved to the village of Chappaqua, New York where they lived for 27 years. While in Chappaqua, Christina was the financial director for the Town of New Castle. During that time, she also earned a Masters Degree in Computer Science from New York University. Christina later worked as the Director of Information Technology for the Town of Scarsdale, New York until she retired in 2002.

Christina and John retired to Aiken, South Carolina where Christina learned to golf and became an active member – and Treasurer – of the Woodside Plantation Nine-Hole Ladies Golf Association. She also developed her prowess as a competitive contract bridge and mahjong player. Christina excelled in needlepoint which she used to make annual Christmas ornaments for each of her grandchildren. She also contributed her needle work to decorations for the altar at St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Aiken. During retirement, Christina and John experienced many adventures on travels throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

In 2020, Christina and John moved to a continuing life retirement community, Carlyle Place in Macon, Georgia, where Christina was active both in the community and as a parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She also greatly enjoyed playing competitive and recreational bridge with her many friends.

Christina’s family will remember her not only for her sharp mind and many accomplishments, but also for the traditions and gifts of love she created over a lifetime: crocheted baby blankets, handmade needlepoint Christmas ornaments, holiday apple pies, favorite family recipes, and the joyful memories of G-Ma camp with her grandsons. She brought intelligence, humor, creativity, and quiet devotion to every chapter of her life. Her love, steady presence, and generous spirit will remain with all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (4074 Chambers Road, Macon GA 31206).

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart’s Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.