Christine (Tina) Kempinski passed away at home on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was born to parents John and Anna (Hendricks) Steve on December 30, 1933. After graduating from Hanover High School in 1951, Tina attended Merchandising School of NYC. Upon finishing her degree, she worked in the city until returning home to work at the former Fowler, Dick, and Walker Store in Wilkes-Barre.
Tina married George J. Kempinski on August 20, 1955, and they celebrated their 70th anniversary last August.
The couple opened a pharmacy and gift shop in Plymouth in 1967, which they later relocated to south Wilkes-Barre. In this larger store, Tina brought to life her love of flowers and plants. Here, she incorporated and operated a full-sized floral and gift store while George ran the pharmacy. In 1977, they built an even larger store and once again relocated the business, where Crossroads Pharmacy, Floral and Gifts became a popular, customer-friendly operation for many years.
Tina was a member of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in Buttonwood.
In addition to her parents, Tina was preceded in death by her son George, Jr. and sisters Rita Andruskiewicz and Catherine Jones.
Tina is survived by her husband George, daughters Karen, Joann Ready (Greg), and son John (Mary), daughter-in-law BettyLynn Kempinski, grandchildren Alan (Charity) Ready, Stephanie Ready, Daniel, Thomas, and Stephen Kempinski, great-grandchildren William Keldie, Layla Keldie, and Charlotte Ready, and several nieces.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Commonwealth Hospice of Berwick and Circle of Life HC for their loving care of Tina.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, Buttonwood. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church the morning of the funeral. Interment will follow in Hanover Green Cemetery.
The viewing will be from 4-6pm on Wednesday, March 25 at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre.
Condolence(1)-
Dan & Tracey Podsobinski says
March 26, 2026 at 11:30 amPrayers for your comfort during this difficult time. Tina sounded like an amazing lady filled with talent, energy, love, and a great family. Wish we could have met Tina.