Christine T. (Zukowski) Gilbert, age 73, passed away on June 3, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 7, 1950 in Holyoke, daughter of the late Joseph P. and Elvira (Nubile) Zukowski. She was a graduate of Commerce High School in Springfield and worked on the school newspaper. Christine worked as a meat wrapper for A&P and Food Mart for many years, and then as a seamstress before she retired. She loved spending time with her family, friends and being around animals. She especially loved walking her German Shepherd dogs in the woods and making dog toys for them. Among her many talents she was a landscape painter, master crafter, uniform mender, and chef. According to her grandchildren “she made the best big meatballs and soft clay creatures”. Christine leaves behind a legacy of love, family, commitment, kindness, and above all, laughter. She is survived by her beloved husband Thomas S. Gilbert of Springfield; one son, Ian T. Gilbert and his wife Lauren of Jacksonville, FL; one daughter Lisa Chapline of Wilbraham; two brothers, Joseph D. Zukowski and his wife Linda of Ludlow and Thomas “Zupo” Zukowski and his significant other, Maria Neves of Holyoke; four grandchildren, Catherine, Josephine, Christopher and Joshua, and her beloved dog Annabelle. She is predeceased by her parents and sister Judith Zukowski. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 9:00 – 10: 00 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. There will be an in-house Prayer Service at 10:00 AM in the Funeral Home followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Daken Humane Society, 171 Union St, Springfield, MA 01105. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.