Christine Marie Bakalis (née Kjos)

Christine Marie Bakalis, beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, musician, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 84, after a short illness.

Born on October 6, 1941, in Winona, Minnesota, Christine was raised in nearby Lanesboro, where she developed a strong sense of community and deep appreciation for art and music that would shape her life. In 1958, her family moved to Mankato where she graduated Mankato High School and went on to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1963, an experience that nurtured her intellectual curiosity and lifelong love of learning.

In 1966 she married John Bakalis and left Minnesota and moved to Panama while John finished his stint in the Air Force. There, she ran the vocal music program for the children stationed in Panama. They returned to the US in 1968 and moved to California and eventually settled in Santa Cruz, where she taught music in middle school and attended Lone Mountain College in San Francisco. In 1977, her only child, Anna, was born.

Following a serious car accident and her divorce from John, Christine relocated with her young daughter to New Jersey in 1979, settling near her sister, Karen. There, she began a new chapter of resilience and independence.

She went on to spend more than a decade at Sharp Electronics, working in the Appliance Division. Affectionately known as the “Betty Crocker” of the department, she became a trusted and reassuring voice to customers—often spending hours on the phone patiently explaining, with knowledge and good humor, that yes, microwave ovens were perfectly safe to use.

In 1992, she and her daughter moved back to Santa Cruz, where she spent more than three decades building community and sharing her gifts as a musician and devoted piano teacher. Music was not only her profession but her calling.

She was an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California, Santa Cruz Branch, for more than 20 years. During that time, she served the organization in numerous leadership roles, including several years as president. Deeply committed to its mission, she worked to nurture young musicians and to support and strengthen the community of music teachers dedicated to their growth.

Christine served as pianist for Sunday services at St. Philip’s the Apostle Episcopal Church in Scotts Valley, where her music became a cherished part of the congregation’s worship. Earlier, she spent more than 10 years working at the University of Santa Cruz as a ballet accompanist, bringing energy and artistry to generations of students.

Whether accompanying dancers or leading a hymn on a quiet Sunday morning, Christine played with deep attentiveness and feeling. Her music carried the imprint of her gentle, inquisitive spirit. Her warmth was genuine and unassuming — an authentic kindness that drew people to her and made them feel truly seen and welcomed.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Julian Kjos and Charlotte Gertrude Kjos (née Qualey); her sister, Karen Forsyth; and her brother-in-law, Robert Forsyth.

She is survived by her daughter, Anna Bakalis; her son-in-law, Todd Demma; and her cherished grandson, Julian Demma. She is also survived by two nephews and a niece who held a special place in her heart, Jeffrey, Andrew and Dana Forsyth.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Tara Temple, Christine’s devoted friend of over 40 years, as well as Jeffrey and Andrew Forsyth, Chris Robledo, Robert Huber and Teresa Rochester, for the beautiful care and compassion they showed Christine in her final days. Blessings to her many dear friends in Santa Cruz, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Minnesota, and beyond, who's loving notes and messages brought peace and serenity in her final moments.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the Santa Cruz Branch of the Music Teachers’ Association of California. Donations can be sent to SCCMTAC, c/o Carol Panofsky, Treasurer, 131 Cave Gulch, Santa Cruz CA 95060.

Christine will be remembered for her warmth, curiosity, spirituality, and the music she so generously shared with the world. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

A service will be held at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse on March 28th at 4pm. For more information, email Anna at [email protected]