Christine M. Gessner, nee Ziebka, age 77, beloved wife of 39 years of the late David Gessner; cherished daughter of the late Bernard and Lucille Ziebka; loving sister of Mark and Madeleine Ziebka; dear aunt of Laura (Josh), Matthew, and Joshua.

Among Christine's many talents, her greatest passion was for music. In her early years, she played and sang folk music in local clubs where she was able to rub elbows with some famous people. She also spent fifteen years singing for the band "After Five," where she sang alongside her husband David, who played the synthesizer, and her other bandmates. Many a wedding rocked to their music. After the breakup of the band, she worked as a sound technician and guest singer for her husband's band. Christine also enjoyed acting and starred in many musicals, including "The Man of La Mancha." She loved arts and crafts and was talented in charcoal drawings.

Christine also had a business side to her. Utilizing her talent for detail, she worked as a proofreader for the advertising firm of Foote, Cone, and Belding, one of the oldest and largest advertising agencies in the United States. But despite her busy schedule, she managed to find the time to act as a caregiver, alongside her brother and sister, for her father Bernard before he passed away at age 100. Christine was a remarkably talented person who will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue Niles on Thursday from 9:30 AM until time of service 11:30 AM. Interment at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery. Funeral info: 847-966-7302.