Christine K. Augustine, age 73, of Dimondale, Michigan, went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2026, following a battle with cancer.
She was born on February 8th, 1953 in Ludington, Michigan, the daughter of Dale and Helen (Zynda) Augustine, 8 minutes before her twin sister Cathy arrived.
Christine graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1971. She then graduated from the dental hygienist program at Washtenaw community college and went on to a successful career working at the University of Michigan dental school.
She raised her family (two children), in the Hartland School District area where she made many lifelong friends. Christine dedicated her life to her children. Whether it was helping with a science project or designing and sewing a particular Halloween costume for the given year, she made it happen. Her scavenger hunts for the “Big” Christmas presents for the kids are fondly remembered.
Christine championed educating her children through involvement, traveling and exploring. Whether it was boy scouts, girl scouts, band, sports, theater, teaching them to ski at an early age, whitewater rafting, etc. Christine encouraged and supported her children through it all.
After the children were grown and gone, Christine retired to the Manistee area where she enjoyed years of continued exploring the local tributaries and entertaining family including her two granddaughters. She enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and fishing along with cooking great meals over an open fire. She was also a wonderful seamstress, making many items including baby blankets for family and friends. In her early years she was a skilled archer.
In her later years, Christine relocated to Dimondale, Michigan to be closer to family. She took great pride in both of her granddaughters and enjoyed every moment that she spent with them. She continued to enjoy exploring by becoming an avid geocacher, where she made many new friends.
Christine was a lifelong animal lover, most notably horses in her younger years and dogs later. She was most fond of the labrador retriever breed, raising and training many wonderful companions including Cocoa, Kalua, Mocha, and her current beloved Star.
Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Helen Augustine and brother-in-law, Timothy McCann.
She is survived by her two children: Melissa Melzer of Chicago, Ill., and David (Cindy) Melzer of Fenton, MI., Two grandchildren: Deseray Vasquez of Dimondale, MI., and Mya Melzer of Fenton Mi.; and her five siblings, twin sister Cathy McCann of Vancouver, WA., Rick (Terri) Augustine of Saline, Mi., Lola Augustine of Brighton, Mi., Brenda (Bob) Moffett of Branch, Mi., Alan (Eileen) Augustine of Chelsea, Mi.
Christine was a lifelong devoted member of the Catholic faith. In celebration of her life, a funeral mass will be held at Saint Gerard in Lansing on Tuesday, March 31. Visitation will take place at the church at 9:30 in the morning, with the mass to follow at 10:30.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Christine’s name can be made to the 3rd Coast Lab Rescue foundation or to the Lansing Hospice Stoneleigh Residence.
A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Gerard Catholic Church located at 4437 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. Family will begin to accept visitors starting at 9:30 am.
