Christa Gisela Arena, age 84, of Saint Petersburg, FL passed away on June 6, 2024.
Christa was born on December 5, 1939 in Bad Harzburg, Germany, to George and Ilse Habenicht. She married the love of her life, Frank Gregory Arena on December 5, 1964 in the Black Forrest in Germany, Moving to St. Petersburg, FL in 1968, they joyfully lived and raised their family, and spent 31 wonderful years together.
Christa is survived by two children, Karen Arena and her fiancé Tim Henthorn, and Frank Arena and his wife Camille, four grandchildren, Lauren Arena, Madelyn Arena, Rebecca Kerns, and Sarah Walsh, three great-grandchildren, Noah Walsh, Evelyn Walsh, and Samuel Walsh, her sister Rosie, and numerous nieces plus a fourth great-grandchild, Wyatt Skals, on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ilse, as well as her loving, devoted husband, Frank.
Christa spent her career in construction lending and banking. She loved what she did and made many friends and devoted clients. When banks she worked at merged or were bought, numerous builders said they would take their business wherever Christa went.
Christa was a true friend and confidant to her close friends and family. She was a great listener and a giver of great advice. She was passionate about exercise by walking two miles daily, riding her stationary bike, and walking laps in the pool. She enjoyed the theater and live music, from Broadway performances in New York and Tampa, to local Shakespeare In the Park, as well as annually attending Orchestra in the Park. Christa was an avid reader and devoured two to three novels weekly. She enjoyed a glass of wine and dining with friends and family indoors and at cookouts in the sun by the pool and ocean. Christa enjoyed laughing with and playing games with her children and grandchildren and attending all their special events. She also enjoyed spending quiet time on her balcony, watching the dolphins and manatees.
A private family funeral will be held on June 20, 2024, where she will join her husband at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Following this, there will be a Celebration of Christa’s Life on June 22, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either The Literacy Council of St. Petersburg, the Suncoast Children’s Dream Fund, Save the Manatee Club, or the Dolphin Communication Project.
Christa will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her
Matthew Ferguson
June 17, 2024, 9:38 pm
Mrs Arena was the personification of class and dignity. Qualities she passed to her children. She will be missed.
Rebecca McClure
June 18, 2024, 5:35 pm
I am so sorry for your loss Karen and family. Although I never met your mother, she sounds like an amazing woman. I know she will be missed but her legacy lives on.
Tricia Gallagher
June 18, 2024, 10:29 pm
Karen, I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom and our deareat, beloved friend. Our prayers go out for God’s healing love and peace for you and your family. I will miss her firey yet bubbly personality and remember her unique spirit always with a smile. May she find peace in the arms of the Lord and be united again with her loved ones in Heaven above.
Irene Hooper
June 19, 2024, 2:22 pm
I was blessed to know and work with Christa for over 20 years. I loved her and the way she reminded me of my own German mom who passed away years ago. Christa was always down to earth, spoke from the heart and always told the truth. She would also, always, tell it like it was. She was beautiful to me and it was my privilege to call her friend and I will miss her always.
Elle McAree
June 20, 2024, 1:21 am
We will miss our sweet neighbor Christa. She always had a smile on her face when I’d see her. Living here by her will not be the same anymore.
Until we see you again, Enjoy dancing with your hubby again ♥️
Vince and Elle
Vera Rusyn Massey
June 21, 2024, 12:30 pm
Having Christa in my life was a privilege! When I think of her, I smile. She was hilarious, kind, loving, full of love and life. I surely do miss her very much!