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HOUGHTON -- Christine (Chris) Sartorelli Anderson, age 77, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, the day of her 52nd wedding anniversary, surrounded by the love of her family, friends, and caregivers.
Born on December 6, 1948 in Stambaugh Michigan to Carmen and Warren Sartorelli, Chris grew up in Gaastra Michigan and attended Stambaugh High School. Chris graduated from Michigan State University with her Bachelor of Science degree, Michigan Technological University with her Master of Science in Biological Sciences, and the University of Wisconsin with her Master of Science in Education Administration.
She spent over 30 years working at Michigan Technological University as the Director of the Summer Youth Programs, the Director for the Educational Opportunity Department, and as a Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Diversity.
During her tenure at Michigan Tech, she was known for unwavering dedication to promoting outreach, recruitment, retention, and graduation of minority and marginalized populations. Her work expanded educational access for thousands of students from historically underserved communities.
Chris married Carl Anderson in 1974. They built a life together centered around family and community. She was known for bringing people together. She loved to entertain her family, friends, and colleagues at their beautiful home on Portage Lake. Those who knew her will forever remember her generous, giving, and kind heart.
Chris is survived by her spouse, Carl; children, Jesse DePue (John) and Liv Tretter (Jake); grandchildren, Rory, Cameron, Sam, and Jimmy; brother, Mark Sartorelli (Jan); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her mother, Carmen Nardi; father, Warren Sartorelli; and brother, Bruce Sartorelli (survived by Kathy).
The family extends their deep gratitude towards those who served as caregivers for Chris over the past few years, showing her and her family tenderness and compassion.
The funeral will be held at St. Ignatius Loyola Church (305 Portage Street, Houghton Michigan) on Friday August 21, 2026. The visitation service will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon with the church service immediately following. The family invites all attendees to share a meal after the church service in the Parish Hall. As Chris was a proud member of the Daughters of Italy, please consider donating to the Daughters of Italy Scholarship (https://sif.osdia.org/scholarships/).
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences for her family, please go to www.oneilldennis.com.