Cristi Kay Hand, 53
Cristi Kay Hand, 53, of Bigfork, died in her home March 7, 2011.
She was born June 23, 1957, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Jerry and Lois Sullivan. She attended schools in Michigan, Idaho and Montana and graduated from Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls in 1975.
She moved to Bigfork in 1976 where she meet her husband Bob Hand, and they married June 24, 1977. She gave birth to their only daughter, Kylee, on Nov. 1, 1979. Soon after, she was diagnosed with lupus. Her chronic illness kept her close to home for most of her life, but her stubborn Irish spirit, love of animals and family kept her strong. It was the same Irish spirit that enabled her to care for her two dearest friends until they passed.
Cristi was the true backbone in the success of their business ventures, and was actively involved with daughter Kylee and her friends throughout the years. She made their house a “home” and all who entered were welcomed with open arms, providing a safe house for many friends and relatives. Cristi was never one to judge. She was strong willed, generous and accepting, always the consummate nurse. The only ones who ever had their way with her were Tess, Lacey, Webster and Bubba, her beloved cats!
She was preceded in death by her dad, Jerry Sullivan; brother, Rick Sullivan; and nephew, Craig Sullivan.
Cristi is survived by her husband, Bob Hand, of Bigfork; daughter, Kylee, and Kirk Archibald, of Belgrade; granddaughters, Payton and Maddox Jade of Belgrade; mother, Lois Sullivan, of Bigfork; sister, Debbie, and Les Ingram, of Bigfork; niece and nephew, Taylor and Bailee Ingram, of Bigfork; brother, Jeff Sullivan, of Bigfork; nephew, Brian Sullivan, of Bigfork; niece, Lori, and Jeremy Todd, of Deer Lodge; great-niece and -nephew, Amanda and Reiley; nephew, Jeremy Sullivan; sisters-in-law, Dawn Noble of Missoula, and Cheryle Lane of Great Falls; cousin, Cathy, and Clay Buckingham, of Phoenix; and aunts, Jane Sullivan of Wheaton Ill., and Darlena McDaniel of Holt, Mich.
A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Community Methodist Church in Bigfork, followed by a celebration of life at the Sitting Duck in Woods Bay.
Memorials in Cristi’s name can be made to Bigfork Fire Department, 810 Grand Ave Bigfork, MT 59911.
Friends and family are welcome to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.