Obituary of Christine Molchan

April 4, 1939 – December 11, 2025

Christine Molchan.  Age 86 of Riverview.

Family Tribute ~

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Christine Molchan. Christine was born April 4, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Stephen and Emily (Bednarek) Zaleski. She died Dec. 11, 2025, in her home, as was her wish, surrounded by the love of her family. Throughout Christine’s 86 years, she touched many lives with her heart, intelligence, dry humor and colorful vocabulary. 

She attended elementary and high school at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Wyandotte. Although it wasn’t part of any plan, professional nursing became a large part of Christine’s life. She earned a registered nurse degree from the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in 1959; Christine said she chose Henry Ford because “it had a swimming pool and no nuns,” and nursing in general because, after high school classes that included typing and shorthand, she knew that “office work” was not for her.

She later graduated from the University of Michigan’s certified registered nurse anesthetist program. She had a long career as a CRNA, working at Oakwood Hospital, Riverside Hospital and Seaway Hospital, all in metro Detroit.

Christine was married to her husband, Alex (“Ike”), for 47 years. Together, they owned and ran the Oak Cafe in Wyandotte – the site of many gatherings for family and friends.

Christine made so many beautiful things, sharing her embroidery, crocheting and knitting projects – quilts, pictures, clothing and more. She loved the ocean and enjoyed many beach trips, lobster dinners and lighthouse visits along the East Coast with her family. She loved a challenging crossword puzzle, a game of golf, a good mystery novel and Harry Belafonte. 

Her legacy of humor, perseverance and learning will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing Christine. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered as a strong, frugal, faithful and fiercely protective woman with a quick wit, a hearty laugh, a long memory and an unmatched generosity to those she held dear. We all are immeasurably richer in every way for having her in our lives and in our corner.

Christine is survived by her loving daughters, Martha Molchan (Doug Scoda) and Sarah Lapshan; beloved granddaughter Caitlyn (Travis) Nemeth, who followed Christine into the nursing profession; dear sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Paul Gallagher; nephew Paul (Karen) Gallagher, and their children Emmett, Alice and Eugene; niece Amy (Chris) Shepard, and their children Elyse and Leo; and cousin Maureen (Mike) Milantoni and their children Adrienne (Paul) Mancuso and Andrew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ike; sister, Patty; and a large and loving extended family including many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

A memorial service celebrating Christine’s rich life will be held Dec. 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a brief service, at Molnar Funeral Home. We invite all who knew and loved Christine to join us in honoring her memory. 

If you can be there only in spirit, we know she would welcome those good wishes, too. Feel free to toast to Christine’s eternal good rest with a well-poured vodka tonic.