By the Family

Apr. 4, 2018:  Christina Janson Eldridge (“Chris”), 86, of Bronxville passed away with family by her side on March 27, 2018.

Chris was born in Rockville Centre on December 10, 1931. She was a graduate of Smith College and Teachers College, Columbia University. Chris was a lifelong and devoted volunteer for many causes about which she cared deeply. She served Smith College in several roles, including as a member of the board of trustees, president of the alumnae association, and president of the Westchester Smith College Club.

Chris lived for 50 years in Bronxville, where she volunteered and served on the boards of many organizations, including the Bronxville Board of Education (president), The Counseling Center (president), The Community Fund, The Bronxville School Foundation, the Bronxville Board of Assessment Review, and the Bronxville Youth Council. 

She was also a deeply committed member of The Reformed Church of Bronxville, where she served on consistory as an elder and a deacon and volunteered in countless capacities, from chairing fundraising campaigns to ringing handbells to making lemon squares for the senior teas. Chris also served on the board of trustees for New Brunswick Theological Seminary.

In recognition of her many years of service, Chris received many awards, including the John M. Green Award for Distinguished Service to Smith College, the Concordia College President’s Award in Educational Service to the Community, and the Bronxville Women of Distinction Award. 

Chris loved to travel, read, attend cultural events, and watch the Yankees and the Giants, but her greatest passion was spending time with her family and her seven beloved grandchildren, who will remember their many incredible trips with Grandma, her unwavering love and encouragement, and the shining example of faith, service, and leadership she provided to each of them. 

Chris is survived by her son, George Eldridge, and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Wellesley, MA; her daughter, Anne Connolly, and her husband, Colm, of Wilmington, DE; her grandchildren, John, James, William, and Margaret Connolly and Caroline, Matthew, and Sophie Eldridge; and many cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carleton G. Eldridge Jr., and her sisters, Mary Janson Leslie and Elizabeth Janson Miller. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Smith College, Gift Accounting, 23 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01063 or The Reformed Church of Bronxville, 180 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY 10708. A service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 23, at The Reformed Church of Bronxville.