Christine Marie Spears

Christine Marie Lacey was born to Laura and Joel Lees Lacey, Sr. on July 18th, 1949, at St. Vincent Hospital Old Town in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her roots ran deep in this community, and she knew everyone from the neighborhood, including her lifelong friends Marcella Ortez, Yolanda Delgado, and Barby Morin. The girls were classmates during Chris's attendance from K-12th grade, graduating in 1967 from Loretto Catholic Girls Academy. Her home parish was Cristo Rey Catholic Church, where she received her baptism, first holy communion, confirmation, and was later married to James Daniel (Danny) Spears, Jr.

All of Christine's life she loved the arts, athletics, and outdoors. She rode horses, bikes, skateboards, played ball with the gang, hiked, practiced gymnastics and was a member of the local swim team and Girls Scouts. She eventually went on to college at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Physical Education, with a minor in Biology. Christine later continued her educational journey and received a Master of Education in Special Needs Children from the University of Arizona in 1987.

While attending NMSU she met Danny while he attended New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) on a rodeo scholarship. They fell in love and were soon married on November 23rd, 1972. They enjoyed many adventures and danced until he passed away on July 22nd, 2001.

Christine's passion and dedication to doing her absolute best as a mother to Shaunna and Nicholas Spears fueled her life with much joy, love and a few heart racing surprises. She knew the joy of being a grandmother to Cody, whom she loved to teach and spoil him simultaneously when she got the chance.

When not attending to family needs, she was an Inspiration to many while teaching Physical Education and Special Needs children, also coaching track and field, volleyball, and basketball at various times throughout her career. She was a great contributor and advocate while serving the Aztec community during her tenure at Koogler Middle School from 1988 - 2007.

From retirement to her recent years Christine remained active and busy enjoying hiking, outdoor adventures, rafting, exploring crafting methods and traveling around the globe trying new things.

After Danny passed in 2001, Christine found love again and spent nearly two (2) decades with her partner, Darrell, who also passed earlier in 2025.

Even in the face of adversity, Christine's determination and bravery shined through until the very last days as she battled Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma since late 2023. Christine was always a believer in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her family and friends entrust her to the Glorious entry into Heaven's Gates where we will meet her again.

Christine was preceded in death by both parents Joel Lacey, Sr. and Laura Byrnes. Her spouse James Daniel Spears Jr.

She is survived by her children: Shaunna Spears and Nicholas Spears and wife Becky.

Grandson's Cody and Dusty. Brother: Joel Lacey, Jr. and wife Mary Jo. Nieces: Jennifer Lacey, Anita Kauffman, Jennifer Lacey and Jaime Murphy. Nephews: Joel Lacey and Wife Ginny, Casey Spears, Kyle Spears and wife Amanda.

And her grand puppy.... Jacque

There will be a Memorial Mass celebrating her life in Santa Fe, New Mexico this summer. Interment will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers or food, please do something in honor of Christine's life, in your own way. Make the world a better place around you. She will be smiling in Heaven as she watches you!