Christine Mays
September 10, 1951 - December 10, 2025
Christine Mays (Gemigniani) age 74, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025 surrounded by her husband and family. She was born in French Camp, California, and spent her life in Stockton, California, with family and friends she loved dearly.
Christine was a remarkable woman of faith, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and a beloved Gigi. She was a selfless daughter, a dedicated sister, and a loyal friend with an artist’s soul and a heart that cared for others without measure.
For 56 years, she built a life with her husband, Bob Mays. Their story is a rich tapestry woven over a lifetime of enduring love and devotion, threaded with laughter, understanding, and quiet strength. In their marriage, she discovered joy and purpose, which blossomed further in her daughters, her grandchildren, and later, her great-grandchildren. Her home was filled with music, dancing, and laughter; a place where warmth and light seemed to gather, and where every guest felt seen, welcomed, and cherished.
Christine delighted in bringing people together and creating moments that became lasting memories. With her hands and heart she crafted beauty throughout her life, often found in floral arrangements given with love, meals prepared with care, and spaces transformed by her gentle touch. She loved to travel, wander in nature, and camp in the great outdoors. She spent countless hours tending her garden. With time, patience, and devotion, she shaped it into a living oasis filled with color, peace, and life for her family to enjoy.
Ever curious and eager to learn, Christine embraced education and discovery at every stage of her life. From her early years at St. Gertrude’s, to Franklin High School (Go Yellow Jackets!), to The Benerd College at the University of the Pacific, her thirst for knowledge was unending. She was a student of life, always exploring with wonder, an open heart, and a mind that welcomed every new lesson.
Above all, Christine’s life was rooted in her deep devotion to Jesus. Every gesture of love, every act of care, every creative touch reflected her faith and grace. Her warmth, generosity, and creativity left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and enduring light, one that will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Christine is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bob Mays; her daughter Kelly Tesch (Michael) and granddaughters Jaquelynn and Sierra Tesch; her daughter Kristy Tavai (Trenton) and granddaughters Ava, Trystani, and Carynn Tavai; her daughter Bobbie Mays and her granddaughter Laurel Schultz (Dalton) grandson Justin Heinrich, granddaughter Lilly Heinrich, and her two great-grandchildren, Theodore and Savannah Schultz. Her Brother’s Michael Gemigniani, Fred Gemigniani and Sister’s Tillie Gemigniani and Jesse Virrey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Jesse Gemigniani; her sisters, Angie May Aponte, Irene Quintana, and Linda Saragoza; her grandson, Gideon Heinrich and many other family and friends.
Visitation
Visitation will be on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 9:00am-7:00pm Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Service
Service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10:00am in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
A reception to follow at The Italian Athletic Club 3541 Cherryland Avenue, Stockton Ca 95215.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mays family.
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