Christine G. Pantola, 59, of Utica passed away Wednesday March 23, 2011 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford after a courageous battle with cancer. Christine was born December 20, 1951 in Utica the daughter of the late Casmier and Lorraine (Blum) Pantola. She was raised locally and attended Utica Free Academy. At one time, Christine was married to Robert Shorter. For many years, she was employed with Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, both the Utica campus and New Hartford campus until retiring due to illness. She was a member of American Legion Post 1113, Whitestown, AM Vets Post 384 in Utica where she made many new friends and was a parishioner of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church in Utica. Christine enjoyed traveling, bus trips and attending field days and at one time was an avid bowler and camper. Ms. Pantola is survived by her daughter, Robin Shorter of Oneida; her devoted sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Tony Yero of Frankfort; niece and Goddaughter, Ashley Winters, nephew, Roger Winters and great niece Maddison Rae Winters all of Frankfort; dear friend, Jill Gaspa and a very special friend, John Gargiulo who was there for Christine 24/7. Also surviving are aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by two special people in her life, John Neary, Jr., who she traveled with and camped with and Frank Szcygiel who she also traveled with to Saratoga and Canada and her very precious feline companion, Whodi. Ms. Pantola's funeral will be held on Monday March 28, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and 9:30 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where her mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Yorkville. Calling hours for family and friends are Sunday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., Utica, NY 13502 or Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica NY 13502 in Christine's memory. Christine would like to personally thank Dr. George Kozminski, Dr. Philip Dontino (her buddy) and their staffs, Dr. Atul Butala, Dr. Dilip Kachare, Dr. Gilbert Lawrence, the entire Staff at the infusion department and radiation department at the Cancer Center at Faxton Hospital and the entire staff of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare especially the 6th floor, for the loving care and compassion you all provided. A special thank you to Mr. Joseph Hobika, Sr, for all your guidance and Rev. Richard Dellos for the many caring talks and prayers you shared with me and for me. Cindy, my loving sister, I can't thank you enough for all your love, care and support you gave me through my entire battle. Please don't cry, I'm out of my pain and suffering. Forever hold me in your heart and remember the great childhood we had together little sister. Love your big sister. Funeral, obituary and my life style; "I Did It My Way"