Christina Testa Hurstage 95, passed away on Thursday, November 5th, at home, surrounded by family. She was born on September 21, 1925, in Washington, D.C.

Chris loved life, people, giving, and most of all - her family. Our family joke was, "just give her 5 minutes with a person and she will know their life story." Odds were that she would find a mutual acquaintance or know the area they were from! Chris enjoyed people, and she wanted everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.

Chris grew up in Washington D.C., making frequent family trips to the zoo, museums, concerts, and symphonies. She graduated from Western High School, and Garfield Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, as a member of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps. In 1947 she was commissioned into the United States Navy Nurse Corps. She would spend 2 years as a Navy nurse in Jacksonville, FL, and Key West, FL. Her Navy adventures included: a flight on a Navy bomber (which had a glass dome in the belly), and a day spent on a submarine where she experienced several dives under the surface. Most of all, she loved serving her country and caring for the other service members.

In 1949 she married William (Bill) Hurst, a Navy Lieutenant Commander. They spent 62 wonderful years together, until Bill passed away in 2011. Chris and Bill had four children and moved to various duty stations across the country, as military families do. Chris had great organizational skills, as well as people skills, which were put to use as a Navy wife. One of Chris's favorite parts of being a military spouse was meeting new and old friends with each move – and she kept in touch with most of them, handwriting over 500 Christmas cards to friends for years. Chris and Bill's last Navy move brought them to Hanover, NH, where they stayed for the remainder of their lives. Chris worked several jobs but the longest was as the secretary at Our Savior Lutheran Church for 25 years.

Chris enjoyed baking and knitting and she loved to share. She made many cakes, brownies, and cookies which often went to the Dartmouth Sailing Team members over the years. Chris loved Dartmouth Sailing- Bill was the Coach for 25 years. Chris knit sweaters for team members, and eventually knit baby sweaters as each new generation of sailors came along. Each fall, the Mrs. Hurst Bowl - a women's inter-collegiate regatta – is held in Chris's honor at the Dartmouth Sailing Facility on Mascoma Lake.

Chris is survived by family members, Cheri Hurst and Gil Allen, James Hurst and wife Susan Damon, Robert Hurst and wife Cornelia, Nancy Hurst Goss and husband James. Grandchildren, Tanis (Zac), Lindsay (Chloe), Jed, Jennifer, Dana, and Anna. Great-Grandchildren, Colby, Hazel, Theo, and Pearl, and faithful cat LB (Love Bug). Sisters Joann Higginbotham and Marion Dixon, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Chris was predeceased by her husband William Hurst, and her brother Leon Testa.

A special thank you to Anne Sutton, our mom's caretaker and friend. Bayada Hospice, and Dr. Adam Schwartz. Together they provided a team that allowed our mom to remain living at home. We also extend thanks to all those who provided support from Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Hanover Senior Center, and the many current and past coaches and sailors of the Dartmouth Sailing Team!

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 10th, 12:00 noon, at the NH Veteran's Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. Those attending are asked to enter through the main gate and proceed to the Administration building before proceeding to the gravesite as a group. The family requests that due to COVID-19, all attending wear masks and observe social distancing.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Dartmouth Sailing Team (6083 Alumni Gym, Hanover, NH), or to: Our Savior Lutheran Church - Memorial Fund (5 Summer Street, Hanover, NH)

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Rand – Wilson Funeral Home.