Christa Marie (Casciole) Maholick, 44, of Nazareth Pa died on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2013 after a courageous 4 year battle with breast cancer.

Born: Christa was born on July 2, 1968 in Easton PA, a daughter of Louis Casciole and the late Theresa (Zalsky) Casciole.

Personal: Christa lived her entire life to the fullest with a passion, vigor and sense of humor that inspired so many along the way. Christa was an accomplished student, athlete and most importantly mother and wife. She devoted the last 12 years of her life raising her dear children, Lucas 11 and Kathryn 10, and caring for her mother who passed away almost 6 years ago. She was an avid sports fan and was passionate about Penn State football and the Phillies.

Christa attended St Janes in Wilson through 8th grade and Wilson High School, class of 1986. She graduated with high honors, was voted Homecoming queen, Prom queen, and Most Valuable Player of the track team. She also was a Majorette, a member of the National Honor Society. She served as the class secretary and participated in the Northampton County Junior Miss. She continued her education at Shippensburg University and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Finance while lettering in Track and Field, participating in the Long Jump, Triple jump and relays.

Christa started her career at Liz Claiborne in NYC and then returned to the Lehigh Valley to work at Crayola where she met her husband Mike. While at Crayola, she attended graduate school at Lehigh University and earned her Masters Degree in Business Administration. She worked for Outer Circle Products in both Chicago and Virginia. After marriage and the birth of her son, she later moved to Delaware where she began her most cherished job of all as mother and wife. Christa loved her children and was devoted to nurturing every aspect of their lives. She taught them to be strong, stand up for whats right and what you believe in, treat people with respect and be gracious for Gods gifts. She also taught them to laugh and have fun, and to appreciate all that life brings.

After her children were in grammar school, Christa pursued her desire to become a teacher, attending East Stroudsburg University and earning her teaching certification in elementary education. She served as a teachers aid and substitute teacher in the Nazareth and Bethlehem Area school districts. She also taught CCD prep classes at Holy Family Parish in Nazareth and was a board member of BeeSafe childrens preschool program.

Christa was grateful for the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at St Lukes Hospital, Hospice and especially Dr. Schadt, Dr. Woodruff and Dr. Anna Niewiarowska and staff who provided exceptional care and compassion throughout her journey. She was also grateful to Lutron Electronics and the Nazareth Area School District who provided her husband and children with incredible support. She was most appreciative of our families and friends who made it possible for her to battle her illness for the last 4 years by providing support, food, laughs and unselfish love to make all of our lives as comfortable as possible during her long illness.

Survivors: In addition to her father, husband and children, Christa is survived by her sister Susan Casciole Raines, brother-in-law Adam Raines, sister-in-law Sharon Helm Casciole, brother Matthew; beloved nieces and Goddaughters Hannah Casciole and Morgan Casciole, father-in-law Anthony Maholick, mother-in-law Jeanne Maholick, brother-in-law Mark Maholick, sister-in-law Betsy Maholick, nephews Calvin and Samuel Maholick.

Services: Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and also Monday from 8:15 am to 9:15 am in Morello Funeral home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorial Contributions: Contributions in Christas memory to establish a scholarship fund to help students dealing with cancer in their lives, may be made to Michael Maholick and mailed c/o Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA 18045.