Christine “Chrissi” Vergoglini is approaching 80 years old, but slowing down has never really been her style. 

She describes herself as “sassy” and fun-loving, with brightly colored hair that changes with her mood—purple today, though it’s been coral and fuchsia in the past. She wears vibrant colors intentionally because, as she puts it, she likes to stand out. And she 

does. 

Since 2018, Chrissi has used a wheelchair after multiple hip surgeries, edema in her legs, and varicose insufficiency made walking increasingly difficult. But if you ask her, a wheelchair is simply part of her story—not the definition of who she is. 

“Be like a boxer,” Chrissi says. “When you get knocked down, get back up. Don’t give up.” 

That mindset has guided her through a remarkable life built around compassion, resilience, humor, and service to others. 

A Calling to Care for Others 

Chrissi graduated with a nursing degree in 1971, beginning her career as a medical-surgical nurse before training as an oncology nurse. That experience eventually led her to hospice care—a decision that puzzled her mother. 

“She thought hospice was too macabre,” Chrissi recalls with a laugh. 

But Chrissi understood something important early on: death is part of the cycle of life. She felt called to help patients and families navigate that transition with dignity, empathy, and love. 

Her nursing career took her across the country as a traveling nurse, from New Jersey to Alaska, California, Arizona, Idaho, and even a Navajo reservation in Albuquerque. Along the way, she cared not only for patients, but eventually for her own parents during the final years of their lives. 

Today, retired and back in New Jersey, Chrissi is surrounded by what matters most to her: her children, grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Influenced by a Life of Service 

It’s easy to see where Chrissi’s energy and generosity come from. 

Her father was a hardworking man who somehow always found time to greet everyone he met. Her mother, a flight nurse during World War II, was equally energetic and driven to help others. 

“That’s just how I was raised,” Chrissi says. 

Her kindness extends beyond humans. A lifelong animal lover, she has cared for numerous dogs and cats over the years, bringing the same warmth and nurturing spirit to animals that she brings to everyone around her. 

More Than a Wheelchair 

One thing that stood out during conversation with Chrissi was that she rarely used the word “disabled.” Instead, she focused on adaptation, determination, and possibility. 

She still hopes that through physical therapy, medical intervention, and sheer determination, she may walk again one day. She also casually mentions her plan to live to 120 years old—a goal that somehow feels entirely believable after spending time with her. 

Chrissi speaks candidly about the realities of mobility challenges and the ways everyday tasks can suddenly become difficult. Her apartment, for example, is not wheelchair accessible, requiring her to pivot carefully with a walker just to enter the bathroom. Some days, she even has to bathe in the kitchen sink. 

And yet, she approaches these challenges with perspective rather than bitterness. 

She encourages others not to take life’s simplest things for granted: taking a walk, standing in the shower, or moving freely through your home. 

She recalls staying at a hotel with her son where she was finally able to use a fully accessible shower. 

“It was heavenly,” she says. 

Chrissi has also learned that people often look past someone in a wheelchair—sometimes literally looking above them instead of making eye contact. But she refuses to disappear into the background. 

With her bright hair, colorful clothes, warm smile, and quick humor, Chrissi makes sure people see the person before they see the wheelchair. 

Still Finding Ways to Serve 

For someone who spent a lifetime caring for others, retirement was never going to mean sitting still. 

Chrissi quickly found her way to volunteering with Samaritan, where she has embraced numerous opportunities to help others. She has served as a friendly caller, helped with administrative work, represented Samaritan at community events, and even made sandwiches for Cathedral Kitchen. 

She proudly uses a transportation assistance program that allows individuals with disabilities to travel affordably throughout the community so she can continue showing up where she’s needed. 

And for Chrissi, showing up matters deeply. 

As a retired hospice nurse, she understands the emotional weight families carry during serious illness and end-of-life care. She quickly forms meaningful connections with patients and caregivers, encouraging families to stay present, realistic, and compassionate with one another. 

Her goal is simple: help people feel less alone. 

Granny Chris 

At home, Chrissi is known lovingly as “Granny Chris.” 

Her family adores her warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit—especially her ever-changing hair color. Holidays are loud, joyful celebrations, and her upcoming 80th birthday will be no exception: an outdoor pool party surrounded by family and laughter. 

Though she won’t be able to join everyone in the water, Chrissi already has a plan. 

“I’m getting a water blaster,” she says with a grin. 

Because if there’s one thing Chrissi Vergoglini has mastered, it’s this: finding joy anyway. 

And as she likes to remind people—especially during Disability Pride Month—life is still meant to be lived boldly, fully, and with plenty of color. 

And one final thought from Chrissi herself: 

“Don’t forget,” she laughs, “nurses need chocolate!”