Constantina Crusade Obituary (2022)

Constantina Crusade, known as Tina to her friends and family, had it all. Tina shared a special soulmate connection with her husband, George, with whom she raised their two daughters. She forged a successful career and possessed various talents, including playing the piano, enjoying ballroom dancing and having a real flare for cooking. Tina was the full package - an intelligent, articulate, and wise woman who exuded inner/outer beauty. Her refined gracious manner was accentuated by her warm smile, sense of style, and uplifting demeanor. She valued personal and spiritual growth and was committed to being the best version of self. To know Tina was to appreciate her positive attitude and outlook on life. Tina treated others with kindness and respect; she was quick to forgive, considered another’s perspective, practiced non-judgement, and spoke her truth in a gentle manner. She was a deep thinker who asked thought provoking questions and enjoyed listening intently to your reply. As a Greek American, Tina was very proud of her heritage. She learned to speak, read, and write the Greek language fluently and welcomed an opportunity to lead others in Greek dancing. Opa! Tina volunteered at various events sponsored by the Greek church and was featured in the local newspaper when she taught a Greek cooking class for the local community. Tina and George enjoyed spending time together. They prepared delicious meals for family and friends and entertained their guests with musical duets. Tina tickled the ivories while George sang and played guitar. The dynamic duo introduced their culinary delights to the local community when they launched “It’s Greek to Me” restaurant in the heart of Doylestown PA, receiving reviews in Bon Appetit and the New York Times. As Tina’s career endeavors progressed, she earned her Ph.D. in the field of Real Estate Valuation and served as a Regional Vice President of an international company. She then launched her own business and, eventually, retired from a branch of the Federal Government. Tina enjoyed collaborating with colleagues and was well respected in her field. Although Tina found meaning in her work, above all, she valued family. Mother-daughter time, family outings and movie nights with grandsons, David and Athan, brought Tina much joy and memorable moments. Tina put love into action, especially caring for George, as his health declined. The mutual love and respect these soulmates shared was evident. The world was a better place with Tina’s presence. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Catherine and Desiree, who were so proud to call her Mother. She was their loving teacher, confidante, cheerleader, and rock. Tina, by example, showed her daughters they could achieve whatever they set out to do, and encouraged them to follow their passion, and to value personal growth. Although Alzheimer’s eventually impacted Tina’s ability to verbalize, her beautiful face would light up when seeing her daughters. Despite her cognitive limitations, Tina was in her “happy place”, smiling, laughing, and playfully making funny faces. She lived in the present moment, exuding tenderness and warmth, as her loving spirit shined through. The bond between mother and daughters endured Tina’s decline, and the love and connection between them is ever lasting. Tina lives forever in their hearts and is loved so deeply, beyond what words can express. In Constantina’s memory, you’re invited to think a loving thought and/or demonstrate an act of kindness.