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Justina M. Sechrist

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Justina M. Sechrist, 24, of Carlisle, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at the UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  She was born on December 26, 1991 in Harrisburg, and is the daughter of Carl D. and Christina J. (Zarichansky) Sechrist.

 
Justina was a 2010 graduate of Big Spring High School, Newville, where she participated in the school choir, swim team, and theater.  She earned a Bachelor's degree in History and Anthropology from Mansfield University and was currently working on her second Bachelor's degree at Mansfield in Vocal Performance. She was a member of concert choir, festival chorus, chamber singers and performed in various stage performances. Justina was currently working for the Heinz History Center - Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historical Village as a historical interpreter.  She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlisle where she was also a cantor. Singing was Justina's passion and she touched everyone with her gift. She was constantly busy with everything from aquatics instruction and coaching to her volunteer work with the Huntsdale Fireman's Fair, the WWII 457th Bomb Group Association, and the re-enactment of the Burning of Chambersburg.

 
In addition to her parents, she is survived by one brother, Cameron D. Sechrist of Carlisle and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her grandparents and one uncle, John Zarichansky, who died Aug. 29, 2015.

 
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 27, 2016 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Dr, Carlisle, with Rev. Don Bender officiating.  Burial will be in St. Patrick's New Catholic Cemetery, North Middleton Twp.  A viewing will be at St. Patrick's Activity Center, Marsh Dr. on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. and on Friday in the church narthex from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service.  Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is in charge of the arrangements.  Flowers are welcome or memorial gifts in Justina's name may be made to St. Patrick Catholic School, 152 E. Pomfret St, Carlisle, PA 17013.

 



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Words can't described my sadness at the passing of Justina and my sincere sympathy is sent to her family. Justina's voice graced the choirs at Mansfield University and I have a beautiful recording of her singing with the Chamber Singers from our tour this March. The piece is called "In Remembrance" by Eleanor Daley. The text is "Do not stand at my grave and weep....I am not there, I did not die." It will appear on our next choir CD in Justina's memory. Blessings to Justina and her family. Peggy Dettwiler
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My thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginable time. I loved your amazing girl. May God's love and peace pour down on you.
 
Megan Swope
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Justina was my cousin and, although we weren't super close, our lives crossed paths many, many times and I remember her always being a super sweet and positive person. Since we lived on opposite coasts, we were only in touch via social media and she recently gave me some very sincere and helpful advice with regards to my daughter who just started college last fall. She was an old soul and I just wish her family peace during this horrific time. I cannot imagine how you all must feel, please know I am praying for you all.

Tiffany Ricciardi

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I knew Justina from school, the aquatic club, and from working together at the Carlisle Barracks pool during the summer. She always had a smile on her face and was always laughing. She will be very missed.

Lindsay Wheeler

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May she rest in peace, she will be missed greatly, my prayers are with her family.

Aris
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I cannot express the sorrow I feel on the death of Justina. She was a wonderful woman. I enjoyed having her in 7th and 8th grade. Throughout high school and college, I would see her cantoring at Mass. A couple of summers ago, she taught my grandsons how to swim at Carlisle Barracks. The youngest one would not get in the pool if Tina was not there. She truly was a peaceful soul and an inspiration to many. Chris, Carl, and Cameron, I am truly sorry for your loss.

Judy Mullery
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Although I knew Justina briefly, she left quite an impact on me, and all those who knew her from the 457th Bomber group. Such a vibrant and talented girl, whose light was extinguished too soon.

Sheila Vester
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Dear Carl and Chris, I was deeply saddened when I heard of the loss of your daughter. I truly believe she is with Jesus but I know that doesn't lessen the pain you must be in. I can't even image the depth of it. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. I'm very very sorry for your great loss. Justina seems like she was a very special person with many gifts and talents that touched others.

Kristin Wickard
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One of the most beautiful, talented students I've ever had, whose smile would light up any room, and who's voice was so angelic. Her Alumni classmates joined the BSHS Cantabile Choir at Saturday night's concert and dedicated "Sing Me To Heaven" to Justina. The words of that song are: "If you would comfort me, sing me a lullaby. I you would win my heart, sing me a love song. If you would mourn me and bring me to God, sing me a requiem - sing me to heaven." My heartfelt prayers are with the Sechrist family for the loss of your wonderful daughter.

Susan Shuey
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So very sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful young lady! Thoughts and prayers to you all!

Robbin Wingfield Fry
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Carl, Christina, and Cameron, Bret and I are so very to hear of your loss. May you find peace in your time of need.

Chanda and Bret Lay
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We are devastated. Justina was in my Italian class in Mansfield for two semesters, along with my wife, Ellen. We loved her and admired her for so many fine qualities. What a terrible loss. You have our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.
 
Brad Holtman & Ellen Murphy
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Chris, Carl, and Cameron,

Your family is my prayers.


Vicki Whitmore
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 I never had the privilege to know Justina but I do work with her mom. Justina is the same age as my own son so I cannot imagine the pain and loss that you are all feeling right now. I can only hope that the knowledge that God is walking alongside you on this difficult road will help with this burden. From what I hear about Justina, she is now singing with the angels and part of that heavenly choir. My prayers and sympathies are with you all.

Fiona J Belieu Williston
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Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Deacon Kevin J. Coyle, St. Patrick Church
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What a tragedy, such a lovely and talented young woman. Carl, Chris, and Cameron, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
 
Debs Carter
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Carl and Chris,
You have our deepest sympathies on your loss of Justina. We have no words that will heal the pain and loss you must be feeling. We pray that with God's help and knowing that many people care for you deeply that you will find the strength to carry on. Remember the happiness and smiles she brought to you while she was with you.

Don and Beth Aumen

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I stood next to Justina in the Festival Choir at Mansfield for several semesters. We weren't close, but she was always so kind. She was a truly beautiful person. I will never forget her smile or her love for music. I am thankful for the little time I knew Justina. Her friends and family are in my prayers.

Paige Terwilliger
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 I think we agree on one thing and that is that we all will miss Justina for everything she was. I will miss her this year at the reunion of the 457th bomb group and I will miss talking about the 457th bomb group with her. Go in peace and I hope that her parents, brother and family will find strenght to go on without her.

Erwin, Nancy and Lune de Mooij
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We will miss her bright light in our department. What a talented, sweet, generous, and beautiful young woman was Justina. Peace to all family and friends.

Rebecca Dodson-Webster, Don Webster, and Hayne Webster
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I had the pleasure of working with Justina in a musical during my time at Mansfield University. She was extremely talented and beautiful inside and out. She will be greatly missed by all.

Megan Sunday
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Chris, Carl and Cameron:

We are reminded of a poem by A. L. Frink - THE ROSE STILL GROWS BEYOND THE WALL

Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
Through which there shone a beam of light.
Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice's length,
And unfolded itself on the other side.
The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before;
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.
Shall claim of death cause us to grieve,
And make our courage faint or fail?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive:
The rose still grows beyond the wall.
Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will for evermore.

Justina will be greatly missed but she will always be within your heart and the many others that loved her. With our deepest sympathy,

MaryLou and Molly
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Chris, Carl, and Cameron,

You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Justina's love for life and love for others was evident in everything she did. It was obvious how much she loved her community and especially her family. My heart is overwhelmed with sadness for your loss....may God bring comfort to you....

Annie & Mike Strite

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I am so sorry I could not be there today Justina. You were always there for me when I needed advice. Thank you for never letting me give up on myself or music. You will be missed by everyone.
"It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again"
Keep singing wherever you are.

Mattie Joyner
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Chris, this is Jeff Jones, we used to walk to the bus together when we all lived on Allen Road. We moved out of there in December 1972. So sorry to hear about your daughter, and your brother.

Jeff Jones
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Your presence on campus and in class will be missed. It's hard to think that you are no longer with us.

Dr. Frank Chua
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Sechrist Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Justina was a classmate of mine at St. Patrick and I remember her as always so kind, talented and thoughtful. My family's prayers and positive thoughts are with you during this time.

DYLAN DEMANSKI
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Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Inc.
Since 1853
630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013
Phone:  (717) 243-2421
 
"Five Generations of Service"
 
Steven A. Ewing, FD, Supervisor, Owner
 
William M. Ewing, FD
(1926 ~ 2009)
Seymour A. Ewing, FD
(1926 ~ 2009)
Jessie Morrison Ewing, FD
(1892 ~ 1988)
William J. Ewing, FD
(1898 ~ 1934)
Hastings A. Ewing, FD
(1866 ~ 1924)
Alexander B. Ewing, FD
(1831 ~ 1903)

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