Christina A. "Steana" Reali

UTICA – Christina A. “Steana” Reali, age 47, passed away on July 3, 2025, in the comfort and dignity of her home, after a valiant battle with addiction — a long, difficult fight she came to terms with before her unexpected passing. Born in Rome on October 30, 1977, Christina was the daughter of the late Michael C. and Kelly L. (Quinn) Reali. She also knew the love and guidance of her stepfather, the late Michael A. Caputo. She spent her formative years and received her education locally. She was formerly married to Reginald Holmes II, a union that brought them the blessing of two children, Donté and A’mya. Christina enjoyed a lifelong career in the medical field, where she held various administrative and scheduling roles. Her sociable nature helped her form lasting friendships with many of her coworkers, and likely even her patients — connections that remained meaningful throughout her life. Small but mighty at just 4’10”, Christina’s personality stood tall at 10’4”. She brought humor to everything she did. As a mother, she was strong and fiercely protective, always fighting for her children and calling them her “heart and soul.” She showed that same deep love to her granddaughter. As the oldest of five sisters, she was equally protective of them—fierce, loyal, and unyielding. Loud, opinionated, and fearless, Christina stood up for what—and who—she believed in. To her, friends were family. She left behind a lasting life lesson: never cower from a fight. She will be deeply missed in every quiet moment. A poetry buff, Christina loved both reading and writing poetry—and even had some of her work published. Naturally artistic, she also enjoyed drawing and coloring, passions she found deeply therapeutic. An enthusiastic football fan, she proudly rooted for the Philadelphia Eagles and even recruited her sisters to cheer them on with her. One of this year’s biggest highlights was celebrating their Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Musically, Christina always had rap and hip hop playing. A huge Beyoncé fan, she was a proud member of the Beyhive. Her greatest accomplishments, however, were always her children, as she would often remind them that they were the best things that ever happened to her. Holidays and family gatherings meant the world to Christina. She cherished being part of a large family and especially loved the big reunions at Delta Lake. Spiritual by nature, she was open to and accepting of the beliefs and ideas of many religions. Christina had a way of making everyone feel welcome, always reminding them it was okay to take up space in this world—that everyone deserves to be here. Christina is survived by her beloved children, Donté Reali-Holmes, and A’mya Holmes and Nasir DuBose; cherished granddaughter, Xolana DuBose; and darling sisters, Susan Reali, Tiffany and Derek Roberts, Laurie and Brandon Morrissette, and Kimberly Reali. She will be additionally missed by her nieces and nephews, whom she treated as her own bonus children and helped raise, Mikey Reali, Audrina Hajdasz; Julia Roberts, Madisen Roberts; Farrah Felski, Olivia Morrissette, and Phoenix Morrissette; great-niece, Evangeline Reali; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and friends, the late Jennifer Henderson, her best friend, Becky Derucher, Jackie Minor, whom she considered her biggest cheerleaders, Harriet Texidor, Dom Pennicooke, Deanna Skuza, and many others. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Rudolfo “Rudy” and Dixie (Ussery) Reali; and maternal grandparents, Joseph and Judith (Paige) Quinn. A special thank you is extended to her son, Donté, for his valiant life-saving efforts — a courageous act at such a young age. Her family finds comfort in knowing he was by her side in her final moments. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Christina’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909177237. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Christina A. "Steana" Reali

October 30, 1977 - July 3, 2025