Christina A. “Tina” (Flansburg) Fontanez

Christina A. “Tina” (Flansburg) Fontanez

CORNING – Christina A. “Tina” (Flansburg) Fontanez, 46, entered into rest unexpectedly on Wednesday (Aug. 28, 2024) at her home in Corning, NY.

Born on Dec. 15, 1977, in Bad Cannstatt, Germany, Tina was the daughter of James and Heidrun “Heidi” Flansburg. Her journey through life took her from the picturesque landscapes of Germany to various corners of the United States, including Lawton, OK, Arlington, TX, Wellsville, NY, and most recently Bath and Corning, NY.

Tina’s protective spirit shone brightly in her youth. As a student at MacArthur Senior High School in Lawton, OK, she distinguished herself as a Police Explorer, channeling her innate desire to protect and serve others. This passion led her to Corning Community College, where she studied Criminal Justice.

Throughout her life, Tina’s multifaceted talents left an indelible mark on those around her. In high school, she attained Oklahoma All-State honors playing trombone in marching band, concert band, and jazz band.  As an adult, she used her artistic ability to make sense of the world around her and to bring joy to the people she loved.  She could capture the essence of a sunset with such vibrancy that her paintings seem to glow from within.

Tina’s culinary skills were a testament to her creativity and the influence of her mother, Heidi, whose legendary home cooking inspired Tina’s own adventures in the kitchen. Working in various restaurants, she carried forward her mother’s legacy of bringing joy through food.

Her love for animals was a constant thread throughout her life, from her cherished bond with her first pet (Wuschie, the world-traveling guinea pig), to the treasured weekends spent horseback riding with her sister and cousins in Germany. Tina’s presence seemed to light up the stables, leaving both horses and humans alike eager for her visits.

Fluent in German, Tina’s linguistic abilities complemented her natural gift for connecting with people from all walks of life. Her courage and concern for others’ well-being remained steadfast throughout her years, a blessing to those with whom her life intersected.

Tina was predeceased by her mother, Heidi, on January 24, 2006. She is  survived by her three sons, Jordan of Elmira, NY, Nathaniel and Isaac, both of Wellsville, NY; her father, James (Jan) Flansburg of Hornell; her sister, Michaela “Mickey” Stone of Vermont; her nephew, Conner of Hornell; her beloved Tante (Aunt) Rosi Simon in Germany; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 5, 2024). Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Ronald McDonald House, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Tina’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Tina are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.