Emma Christina Lavely

Emma Christina Lavely (nee Rodriguez Fernandez) passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 23, 2024.  She was born in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico on November 28, 1929.  She was one of five children born to Emma Fernandez de Fernandez and Jose Rodriguez Villarreal.  Christina grew up mainly in Saltillo, but also lived in Monterrey, Mexico for 10 years.  Her children are still amazed that their parents ever met.  In 1959, Joe was at a store while vacationing in Mexico.  He asked for help and they directed him to the sewing department where Christina worked, because the women there happened to speak a little bit of English.  Their fate was sealed.  They were married in Mexico on July 17, 1960 and returned to live out their lives together in Joe's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.  

Christina loved Latin American culture.  She had many life-long friends from Mexico and numerous countries in South America, and the many parties she hosted and attended were quite international.  She loved to travel, visiting over the years Spain, Portugal and Italy to name a few and with many return trips to Mexico.  She seemed to make friends wherever she went, keeping up correspondence for years. 

Christina had a contagious laughter, and with small ego, she mostly laughed at herself.  She showed grit and resiliency during difficult times in her life.  Her children admired her bravery in leaving her home country, extended family and friends to immigrate to Kentucky.  One of her proudest achievements was mastering essential U.S. history and facts of the Constitution, and then passing the test to gain U.S. citizenship.  

Christina had a vivacious, warm and loving personality, which drew many people to her side.  Those who knew her will attest, she had a one-of-a-kind personality.  In addition to sewing, her favorite hobbies were making jewelry and buying and selling antiques.  She loved meeting with friends, hugely anticipated holiday events and was forever eager to see family.  She truly brightened the room and provided levity when most needed.  She touched many lives, was a force of nature with her goodwill and intent and will be profoundly missed.  She gave her children and many others so much to remember and laugh about, and life lessons on how to survive and thrive, and simply how to be.  

 She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; and two brothers, Rodolfo and Jose Luis.

Christina leaves behind her two children, a daughter Maria Lavely Rodriguez (Agustin) and a son, Eugene Lavely (Julia); two grandsons, Philip and Christopher; two sisters, Rosa Martha and Maria Teresa; three nieces, Terry, Rosangela and Gabriela; and two nephews, Felipe and Paul.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hosparus.  Your kindness means the world to us.

Services will be private.

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