Dr. Christine Givner

Christine was born on Feb/ 9, 1953. to Norman Cassatt and Betty Flasher in Warren, Pa.

After Chris graduated from Warren High in 1971 as class valedictorian, she went on to study a multitude of disciplines at Allegheny College. ultimately earning her PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh. After receiving her PhD at Pitt, she started her career as a researcher at John’s Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., for three years. She then moved on to become a professor of Education specializing in mild to moderate disabilities at Trinity College in Burlington, Vt. While at Trinity, she received numerous awards for excellence in the field. After half a decade at Trinity, she moved on to become a full professor of Education at Cal State. Los Angeles, focusing on the promotion of inclusion in the classroom and being appointed to the Chair of the College of Education. She then proceeded to become the founding Dean of the College of Education at SUNY Fredonia, where she worked tirelessly for 16 years.

Chris retired as the dean emeritus in the spring of 2020. Chris was a devout Catholic as a member of St. Anthony’s parish in Fredonia, an avid reader and life-long learner. She mentored countless numbers of students, professors, and administrative faculty members. In 1972, Chris-ine Cassatt met James Givner in Pittsburgh through mutual friends. Chris and Jim went on to have one child, Jelani Givner (daughter-in-law Rachel Ross); and one grandchild, Paxton Ross-Givner.

In 2020 upon retirement, Chris spent her time gardening, crocheting, reading, interacting with family members near and far, and keeping social and professional ties with neighboring New York State administrators (YaYa sisters).

Christine was predeceased by her father, Norman; mother, Betty; sisters: Patty and Geraldine (Ta).

She is survived by her sister, Diane and brothers Dennis and Mark. Christine leaves behind several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, Fredonia.