Christina Dolce December 23, 1935 - January 4, 2012

Christina Knutsen Dolce (Christi) passed away on Wednesday January 4th, at home surrounded by her family. She is mourned by all of us that loved her dearly and will miss her even more. She fought valiantly the battle with lung cancer to the very end, embodying a dignity and poise that was an inspiration to everyone that was close to her. A Port Arthuran her whole life, Christi was born on December 23, 1935, the only child of Rolf Knutsen and Clara Smith Knutsen, who both preceded her in death in 1977. Christi graduated sixth in the class of 1953 at Bishop Byrne High School. Christi married her soul mate and love of her life, Tommy Dolce, on September 19, 1953, who survives to cherish her memory, along with their children, Mark Dolce and wife Sandy of Houston, Angela Parsons and husband Larry of Austin, Michael Dolce and wife Debbie of Port Neches, grandchildren Rev. T.J. Dolce, Charles Dolce and wife Lisa, Noelle Parsons, Anna Parsons, Kira Parsons, Jackson Dolce, great-grandchild Conner Dolce, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom liked to say that she was an "individual" and she was surely that. She was a person of strong character and values, a talented artist, a crackerjack seamstress, a creative person who always had a project going, a woman with a head for business, a computer nerd, an avid reader, life-long cat lover, a cradle Catholic, and even an astrologist. Her family was the most important thing to her and she said once that when she was little she wanted to be a mommy when she grew up. Not only was she a loving mother, but also a caring friend, devoted wife and great listener. The Dolce family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Father Stephen MaCrate, Rose Ann Brocato, Leslie Van Hess, the many friends and family members that were helping hands and support these last months, especially the caring professionals of Altus Hospice. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Southeast Texas Humane Society in Mom's name or to a charity of your choice.