Christine J. "Sissy" Huegel

Christine Joan Huegel, 66 of Tamaqua, died peacefully on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 6 a.m. in the ICU of St. Luke’s Hospital System’s Carbon Campus, surrounded by her loved ones for the 24 hours prior to her passing.

Born on November 5, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Kathryn B. (nee Plasko) Yusella and Frank Yusella. Chris (Sissy) was beautiful inside and out, with a sweet smile, ability to know when to hold your hand, and a quick wit, she could win anyone over. A wonderful loving mother, wife, sister, sister- in-law, daughter-in-law, nurse, caregiver, companion to all who needed assistance or medical advice.

A 1974 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Tamaqua, she entered the Reading Area Community College School of Nursing. After graduation, she started as a candy striper and floor nurse at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Schuylkill Haven before spending 27 years working in the emergency department at Gnaden Huetten Hospital/ Blue Mountain Health Care in Lehighton.

Chris medically retired in 2011 due to rheumatoid arthritis. she was a caring nurse, devoted to family, friends, co-workers and patients. She spoke daily with her brother Frank and cousin Barbara faithfully.

One of the famous “Bungalow Babes,” she was an avid sun bather and water walker at the Tamaqua pool and would take a trip to Ocean City, Maryland or Florida in a heartbeat for sun and surf. She enjoyed country music, from Keith Urban to Lady A, rock n’roll from the Moody Blues, opera from IL Divo and Andrea Bocelli, and served as a part time judge whenever watching “American Idol” and “The Voice”.

After retirement, Chris loved shopping trips to Boscov’s and Talbot’s with her mother-in law, helping her son with his coaching duties, and, at least once a year, making halupki for her brother and family. However, her biggest love in retirement was a stray cat named Missy who showed up when she could no longer fulfill her nursing duties. For 12 years “Missy Cat” took over the house, gave her a thousand laughs and companionship until her husband retired a year prior to her passing. During that year, they spent valuable time together and with many of their close friends.

Chris is survived by; her faithful husband of 32 years, Stanley I. Huegel, Jr,; loving son, Justin L. Huegel (Tamaqua), Head Coach of Marian Track and Field/Cross Country, and teacher at Commonwealth Charter Academy and his girlfriend, Olivia Mottern (Lancaster). Additionally, she is survived by her brother Frank J. Yusella, his wife Bonnie (Blandon, Pa.); Mother-in-Law Margaret Huegel, (Tamaqua) and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. John XXIII R.C.C. 307 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252 on Wednesday May 3, 2023 at 11 o'clock A.M.

Friends may call on Tuesday evening May 2, 2023 at the funeral home from 6 to 8:00 P.M., and on Wednesday morning from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.

Interment Sky View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Memorials in her name to:
Marian Catholic High School Track Boosters
166 Marian Ave.
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
or
Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 96280
Washington, DC 20077
donor_relations@arthritis.org

Online condolences or a fond memory of Chrissy can b expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com