KENOSHA -Christine Sikora was born to Frederick and Diana Becker (nee: Nolan) on June 15, 1956 in Urbana, Illinois. She moved with her family first to Bristol, then Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1962. On September 1, 2013, she passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Christine attended Illinois and Kenosha schools, received her BA from University of Wisconsin Parkside and her MA from National Louis University, Evanston, Illinois. She taught third grade for 25 years at Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha, retiring from KUSD in 2012. She was a dedicated teacher who cared deeply about the education and well-being of her students. She cherished the many connections she made with her students and their families, and fellow instructors during her many years of teaching.
In 1978, Christine married Kenneth Becker, the father of her two dear children, Anji Becker and Nathan Becker. They later divorced. On July 16, 2005 Christine married Scott Sikora, her soul-mate. They wed on the grounds of Wustum Art Museum, Racine, Wisconsin.
Christine loved to travel, visiting much of the United States, Ecuador, China, and Europe. She especially loved visiting warm islands in the Caribbean to scuba dive with her husband; her favorite being Bonaire.
A lifelong artist, for the past 15 years Christine’s paintings have been displayed at Lemon Street Gallery, Kenosha, where she was a founding member. Art galleries in Racine and Milwaukee have also presented her work over the years. Locally, she has exhibited at Kenosha Public Museum, Anderson Art Center, Kenosha Public Library, Carthage College Library, and many other public and business venues. Her paintings have also hung in legislators’ offices in the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. Numerous works are in private collections in Wisconsin, Illinois, Oregon, Minnesota, and California.
Christine is survived by her beloved husband, Scott, and her precious daughter and son, Anji Becker (Los Angeles) and Nathaniel Becker. Also surviving is Christine’s devoted mother, Diana, her loving sisters, Melanie Hovey (Stephen), Stephanie Wheeler (Dean), and Lorrie Krodel (Christopher), a niece, Gwen Fessenden and nephew, Blake Fessenden (Chrystal) and grand-nieces and nephew, Breanna, Rachel and Zachery, her father-in-law Richard Sikora, brother and sisters-in-law, Steve Sikora (Lynette) and Sheryl Sikora. Her father, Frederick and her mother-in-law, RoseMary Sikora preceded her in death.
A memorial celebration of Christine’s life will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd, Racine, Wisconsin on Saturday September 7, 2013 from 1pm to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lemon Street Gallery, a non-profit organization dear to Christine, would be appreciated.
Melanie Hovey says
Love your siblings with all your heart. You never know when this day will come. My heart is breaking.
Linda Evans says
I knew Christine not personally but through her sister Steph who loved her very much. My heart breaks for her family.
Marjorie Meyer says
Christine’s lovely artwork is in my heart and home and will always remind me of her.
Mary says
Although I never met Christine, I see her work every day. My company has a rotating exhibit from Lemon Street Gallery which always includes one of her works. The beauty of her work never fails to inspire me and make my day just a little bit better. My sympathy on the loss of a beautiful soul.
David B. Halmo says
To Scott and the family of Christine:
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Christine, having only met her once, but am deeply saddened nonetheless by the loss of such a young, creative individual and dedicated educator. I am especially heartbroken for and thinking of you, cousin Scott.
Sandy and Jesse Aguilera says
Christine will be missed. She has left a beautiful memory in our heart and will live on throughout eternity with the legacy left behind.
Susan Carter says
All my thoughts & prayers to all. We can never be prepared for all the emotions this brings. Just breathe, and take one day at a time. Let the thought of her being whole again & not in pain help ease your sorrow.
Love you & praying for you!
Susan & David Carter
Barbara Islas (Durbin) says
To my dearest friend Christine. I knew you since middle school. We were best friends and spent so much time together as teenagers. After graduation I left for the Army and you got married. We lost touch as our lives got busier, but you were always close in my heart and memories. I can’t express how my heart is breaking at the news of your passing. I miss your smile and your laugh. You were a great friend, teacher, mom, daughter, sister, and artist. You will be missed more than words can say. My condolences to your mom, your sisters, your children and your husband. May God Bless them and bring peace to their hearts during this difficult time.
Mary Neely says
Christine was a breath of fresh air. Light and color seemed to surround her. I’m glad I got to exhibit with her, and that she no longer suffers.
Maureen Bolog says
We enjoyed Christine’s artwork on the set of London Suite. The gift of art touches us forever. God bless your family through this transitional time. My heart aches for your loss.
Lauren Becker Lodarek says
Chris was a wonderful Sister-n-law to me and a loving Aunt to her nieces and nephews Jim Jason & Jacki. She’ll be missed dearly but her loving spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Our family loved Chris very much and will miss her dearly. My heart goes our to my niece & nephew Anji & Nate, her husband Scott, and Chris’s dear family. Prayers with you and may you find peace in you hearts.
Vicki and Will Barton says
We are so sorry about Christine she was a beautiful talented person. The video is wonderful. We know this is a hard time for her entire family and we are keeping her family in our thoughts.
Erica Corser says
Our heart breaks for the Sikora & Becker and affected families. Scott our prayers are especially for you during your time of grief, hugs to you buddy, you are in our thoughts.