Kristina Hoyer

Born Kristina Kristulich in St. Petersburg, Fla., she was the daughter of Sheridan and Karl Kristulich. She spent part of her young adulthood living overseas before eventually building the heart of her life and career in Altoona. Later, she made her home in northern Virginia, where she spent nearly 20 years surrounded by family and friends.

In 1970, Kristina married the love of her life, Edgar “Ed” Hoyer of Altoona. They shared a deep partnership rooted in love, friendship and devotion. Together they built a marriage that spanned nearly 40 years until Ed’s passing in 2009. They created a home filled with love, laughter and unwavering support for one another.

Kristina devoted more than 40 years to education, beginning her teaching career in 1968. As an English teacher at Keith Junior High School, she inspired generations of students to discover the power of literature, writing, poetry and their own voices. She believed teaching was about far more than grammar and books. It was about helping young people find confidence in themselves and understand that their thoughts mattered. Many of her former students went on to become educators themselves, a legacy she treasured.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family.

Kristina was a devoted mother to her son, Shawn, and daughter, Holly. Her love for her children was unconditional, steadfast and lifelong. She was equally dedicated to her grandchildren, Emma and Ford, whose humor, curiosity and energy brought her endless happiness. Becoming a grandmother was one of the great blessings of her life.

Kristina was known for her warmth, generosity and gift for making friends wherever she went.

Kristina passed away from breast cancer. Even during her final months, she faced life’s challenges with courage, grace, humor and gratitude for the people she loved.

In reflecting on her life, Kristina wrote that every day is a gift and that happiness is something worth choosing.

Kristina is survived by her children, Shawn and Holly; son-in-law, Lyle Davidson; her grandchildren, Emma and Ford; her sister, Linda Cobb; and many cherished friends, former students and extended family members whose lives were enriched by her kindness and friendship.

She will be remembered for her laughter, her resilience, her generosity, her optimism and the sparkle she brought into every room she entered.

Her love lives on in the family she raised, the students she inspired and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Capital Caring Health whose compassionate care brought comfort, dignity and peace during Kristina’s final days. (capitalcaring.funraise.org)