Christine Frances Hisington

Christine F. Hisington 68 of LaPlata, MD. Passed away on Saturday June 19, 2021 in Washington, DC.

She was born on May 27, 1953 in Pittsburg, PA to her mother Barbara Paulis.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Hisington and Stephanie Simm; grandchildren Tyler Simm and Megan Simm and a great granddaughter Ameillia.

Christine joined the U.S. Navy at time when women where not welcomed aboard ships as they are today. She was not only a Pioneer becoming the first Signal Woman aboard a ship, she was an inspiration to the women who followed in her footsteps, breaking down the gender barriers of her time. Her time under way was served aboard the USS Sanctuary from 1971 to 1973. After separating from the Navy, she severed another 20 years as a Procurement Officer in the Federal Government in Spain, Italy, Great Lakes, Virginia and Pax River Naval Air Station. During her retirement years she shifted her attention to serving her Lord joining the Monastery of the Visitation where she became a novitiate until she no longer had the strength to carry out her duties.  She was a valued member of the Secular Order at Mt. Carmel in La Plata as well.

Christine may have come from humble beginnings born in Western PA, but she saw the world in a way few Americans have ever had the chance to. Her steadfast determination to prove that a woman could serve aboard a USS Sailing Ship has left an indelible mark on the history of the Navy. Today few may know her story, but as the movement she was part of has grown over the past 50 years the question will be asked, “Who was the first female signalmen on a ship?”  and the answer to that question will be, “A Pioneer named Christine Paulis, from Esplen PA.”

The family will receive friends on Friday June 25, 2021 from 10 to Mass time at 11 AM at the Mount Carmel Monastery (5678 Mount Carmel Rd. LaPlata, MD 20646). Interment to follow at the Monastery Cemetery.  A repast will be held afterwards in the monasteries’ parlor.

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