Christine Urban Obituary

CHRISTINE "TEENA" URBAN May 28, 1939 ~ October 2, 2023 Christine "Teena" Urban passed away on October 2, 2023, at her home at the Ivy at Hawaii Kai, after many months of decline from congestive heart failure and COPD. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She moved to Honolulu, Hawaii when she was 28 years old, joining another friend from the mainland. She never left. She loved Hawaii and made it her home, visiting the mainland only to see her mother and sisters annually, usually en route to some other exotic travel location. Teena completed her Bachelor of Science at University of Hawaii shortly after arriving in Honolulu and began a teaching career in special education at Radford High. Later she entered the field of education administration. She was Vice Principal at Castle High School from 1987-1991; she was Principal at Keolu Elementary School from 1991 until her retirement in 2000. following her retirement, she inaugurated a monthly lunch group, for her fellow-retired administrators, who credit her with being the glue that kept them all together. They now vow to keep the group together in her absence. She also practiced arbitration following her retirement from education, putting her calm demeanor and practical skills to good use. In 1971 Teena married the Rev. Darrow L. K. Aiona, who preceded her in death in 2012. Their 41-year union was accentuated by a common faith as well as by years of foreign travel together, which they both enjoyed immensely. After Darrow's death, Teena volunteered regularly, until her death, at St. Marks Episcopal Church where Darrow had been Rector. Teena was spunky and sporty, independent, determined and kind. She kept hiking well into her late 70s, paddled with her paddling buddies into her 80s and even in her last year, despite numerous health challenges, went ocean jogging with friends. She was a consummate volunteer and friend. Teena was predeceased by her parents, her husband Darrow, and her younger sister Jeannette. She is survived by her younger sister Deborah Urban, her sister-in-law Ellen (Haunani) Aiona, and innumerable friends on the island. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon Tuesday, October 24, 2023, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 539 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu.