Christine Therese Bernadette Evans (Gillan), 64, died peacefully at noon on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, after entering hospice the evening before. She fought a long and courageous battle with atherosclerosis. With her were her husband Mike, her brother Dan, her sister Patti, her sons Shane and Frank, and her grandson Frankie.

Chris was born on October 13, 1961, in Chicago, to Martin and Mary Jo Gillan. She was the third of eight children and the oldest daughter. From an early age, Chris carried a great deal of responsibility, helping her mother care for her younger siblings. She was a caring and nurturing older sister whose love for her family remained a defining part of who she was throughout her life.

Chris married Michael Evans on April 30, 2016, at United Presbyterian Church in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. She was a loving wife to Mike, a devoted mother to her sons, Frank and Shane, and a doting grandmother to Frankie, Parker, and Avery. Her family was at the center of her life, and she took great pride and joy in each of them. Throughout her life, Chris had a remarkable ability to put others before herself. She was full of love, life, and personality - kind yet fierce, gentle but stern, strong-minded yet soft- hearted, confident yet humble. She was stubborn when she needed to be, steadfast when others needed her, and courageous when needed. Her faith was a constant source of strength throughout her life, sustaining her through difficult times and giving her hope, comfort, and courage when life demanded it. Like her family, her faith was a foundation she could always turn to, reminding her that she was never alone in facing life’s challenges.

Chris had a beautiful singing voice that punctuated countless family gatherings and became part of the soundtrack of her family’s memories. She loved making others happy and that naturally drew her to the catering and hospitality industry. She opened Honey’s Kitchen Table in Necedah and shared her warmth and hospitality with countless people while working at River’s Edge and other restaurants in the Dells.

More than anything, Chris loved her family. She had a generous heart, a wonderful sense of humor, a strong spirit, and a way of making those around her feel cared for. Her family and friends will remember her not only for the challenges she faced with courage, but for the love, laughter, music, and memories she gave so freely.

Chris is survived by her husband, Michael Robert Evans; her sons Frank Charles (Mary) Rossi and Shane Michael Popp; her grandchildren Frank Charles Rossi Jr., Parker Gregory Popp, and Avery Elaine Popp; her stepfather James Perry Miller; her sisters Joanne Marie (Gary) Kohls, Mary Louise Gillan, and Patricia Anne (Jack) Mills; her brothers Daniel James (Andrea) Gillan, Martin Francis (Mary Ann) Gillan, Andrew John (Marie) Gillan, and Thomas Edward (Angelica) Gillan; her former husband Patrick Michael Popp; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Joanne Miller (Neville); her father, Martin McMahon Gillan; her former husband, Frank Willard Rossi; and a stillborn brother James Perry Miller Jr.

Chris leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply, but who will carry her memory forward in the stories they tell, the laughter they share, and the love they have for one another.

Public visitation will take place at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church on Friday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Paul Ugo Arinze with Deacon Dan Gillan assisting at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Lake Delton Village Cemetery. Funeral services provided by Picha Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made in memory of Christine Evans to:

Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation - to support free, life-saving health screenings for women across Wisconsin.

https://wwhf.org/donate/ 

The International Crane Foundation – to conserve cranes and the places they need to survive.

https://savingcranes.org/ways-to-give/