In Loving Memory of Christine Pinelli
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christine Pinelli, who died peacefully at the age of 72, with her loving family by her side.
Born on June 26, 1953, in Roccamandolfi, Italy, Christine was the eldest and beloved daughter of Giuseppina (Josie) and Vincenzo Pinelli. Along with her parents and younger brother, Joseph, Christine immigrated to Canada at the age of 5. She lived most of her life in beautiful Burlington, Ontario, surrounded by her close-knit Italian-Canadian family.

Christine graduated from Sheridan College, where she studied literary arts. She was an avid reader, a lover of music and film, and had a deep curiosity about the world, politics, and other cultures. Her conversations were lively, thoughtful, and often passionately debated – especially when it came to brilliantly advocating for the underprivileged. She had a great sense of humor, and she could make you laugh with a quick and sudden “one-liner” which summed up a host of sentiments fairly accurately.

Above all, Christine was devoted to her family. Her heart belonged to her nieces and nephews, whom she helped raise with unwavering love, pride, and encouragement. Vanessa Richter (and her husband Michael Richter), Matthew Quintieri, Mary Catherine Quintieri, and Christopher Fletcher were truly the light of her life. She embraced them as her own, showering them with hugs, kisses, thoughtful gifts, enriching experiences, and – most importantly – unconditional love. Her devotion to them was matched only by the deep respect, admiration, and affection they held for her in return. Christine also adored her great-nephews – Jackson Paul Lee Richter, Henry Gordon Richter, and William Vincenzo Richter – greeting them with her signature cheerful “Hi, bello!” and relishing every chance to spoil them with gifts and dinners. Their joy was her joy, and her world truly revolved around their happiness.

She was a devoted daughter who checked in on her parents every day, and a fiercely loyal sister to her brother, brother-in-law, and sisters. If Christine was in your corner, you felt like you could take on the world.
Christine is predeceased by her devoted father, Vincenzo Pinelli, who passed away one year ago. She leaves behind her best friend and mother, Giuseppina (Josie) Pinelli; her devoted brother Joseph; her loyal sister Maria and beloved brother-in-law Paul Fletcher; her cherished sister Angela; and her treasured nieces, nephews, and great-nephews.
It is difficult to say goodbye to Christine. Family dinners will never be the same without Christine’s presence at the table. She gave all of herself, every day of her life. Her selflessness, warmth, and fierce love will remain in our hearts forever.
May her legacy live on in every book read, every heartfelt laugh, and every spirited conversation shared.
The Pinelli Family would like to thank our many friends, neighbors, and family members who checked in on Christine and our family through this difficult time. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Joseph Brant Hospital who compassionately cared for Christine in her final days.
Please join us to send Christine off to the Good Lord.
Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 454 Highway #8 (east of Millen Road), STONEY CREEK (905-664-4222), on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 3-5 and 6-9 pm Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, 304 Highway #8, Stoney Creek, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10 am Entombment to follow at a later date at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Burlington with the family privately.