Born on October 12, 1948 in Niskayuna, NY, Christine was the daughter of Thomas and Phyllis McKone. She was one of eight children who enjoyed the blessings of a large and loving family. Christine and her husband, Tom, were married on August 18, 1973, at St. Helen's Church in Schenectady, NY. They made their home in Oneonta where she was a Eucharist Minister at St. Mary's Church and volunteered her services at Saturday's Bread and St. Mary's Food Pantry. She was formerly employed as a teacher in North Colonie, NY and Sidney, NY school districts; by Dr. James Iandiorio as his receptionist; by ONC BOCES as a teaching assistant; and by the Oneonta City School District as a member of the clerical staff.

Christine was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Tom of Oneonta; by her sister, Pat Hogan of Scotia; and by her brothers, Tom (Linda) of Schenectady, David (Betty) of Niskayuna, Michael of Bethesda, MD, Brian (Margie) of Ballston Lake, Kevin (Barbara) of Kirkwood, MO and John (Jackie) of Arnold, MD. Christine is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Christine was blessed by an abundance of friends. All who knew her were touched by her kindness and inspired by her indomitable spirit.

Family and friends are welcome at calling hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, with a prayer service at 5 p.m.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 28th at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 35 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. David Mickiewicz as celebrant.

Interment will take place 11 a.m. on Friday, June 29th at The Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy Schenectady Road in Schenectady, under the guidance of the James J. Gleason Funeral Home, 730 Union St., Schenectady.

Christine's family extends heartfelt thanks for the loving care provided by Dr. Matsuo and his staff at Fox Care Oncology, especially Susan, Brenda and Theresa. They were an important ingredient of Christine's care plan.

Those who wish may make a gift in Christine's memory to any of the following organizations: St. Mary's Food Pantry, c/o Janice Hinkley, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820; Oneonta Dollars for Scholars, Po Box 1083, Oneonta, NY 13820; Otsego Manor Activities Fund, 128 Phoenix Mills Cross Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

I have been a resident of Otsego Manor for five weeks and in that short time, I have learned that this facility is truly a home-away-from-home for all who reside here. Staff provide the comforts of family life including outstanding personal care, companionship and celebration of birthdays and holidays with all the trimmings! I cannot adequately express my appreciation for the loving care I have been shown by staff here, most especially the OT and PT staff, CNAs and UWs, all of whom go out of their way to encourage, console, and uplift us daily.

I implore our county legislators not to jeopardize this "diamond-in-the-rough" and ask that you do all you can to avoid privatizing our home.

Christine Schermerhorn

Oneonta