In Memoriam
This Memorial Page honors the lives and legacies of National Association of Career Women members who inspired others through their leadership, service, and dedication—and who were also deeply cherished friends within our organization. These remarkable women shared not only their time and talents, but their kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support for one another. Their voices, friendships, and contributions helped shape NACW into the community it is today. We remember them with gratitude and love, and we carry their legacy forward as we continue to empower women in their careers and in life.
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Dr. Christina Gallina-Flood
Dr. Christina Gallina-Flood, age 60 of Wales Twp., was born on August 28, 1965, and peacefully entered the presence of her Savior, Jesus, on November 28, 2025. Known by all who met her as genuinely warm, deeply caring, and endlessly encouraging, she had a remarkable ability to make every person feel seen, valued, and loved. With a natural gift for listening and guiding, she served as a counselor, mentor, and friend to countless people throughout her life.
Her desire to go to college for ministry resulted in her achieving a Doctorate in Pastoral Christian Counseling. Christina’s heart for ministry was unmistakable. With and without her PhD, through the years, she invested deeply in Celebrate Recovery, helped plant Victory House in Detroit—a long-term transitional care home for women and children—and founded her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Healing Hearts Home. Through this ministry, she shared the unconditional love of Christ and walked with people on their journeys of healing from trauma and abuse with compassion, wisdom, and a holistic approach. Being an advocate for the hurting, hundreds of people were personally and directly transformed by Christina's work, and thousands more were touched through the ripple effects of her teaching, mentoring, and the lives changed through Healing Hearts Home.
While Christina’s greatest love was her Savior, Jesus, her close second was her family. She cherished her husband, Andy, with whom she shared nearly 28 years of marriage. She adored her three children (Carolann, Cynthiana, Andrew) and her beloved “son-in-love” (Trevor), a term she used with pride and affection. Their family enjoyed camping in the summer, in Christina's dream travel trailer; whether away in the camper, or at home, Christina was often found in the kitchen making her famous spaghetti, baking cookies and brownies, or making her chocolate covered candies. She loved to host, and was known to say, "If you leave here hungry, it's your own fault!"
Christina's life was marked by service, faith, and an extraordinary generosity of heart that leaves a legacy far wider than she ever could have imagined.
"His owner said to him, ‘You have done well. You are a good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will put many things in your care. Come and share my joy.’" - Matthew 25:23
Susan Coates
Susan Ann Coates, 75, of Marysville, died Sunday, November 9, 2025.
She was born June 16, 1950 in Detroit to the late John and Anna Slavko. She married Webb Coates on September 1, 1972 in Harper Woods.
Susan worked for 50 years with Jewels by Parklane as an in-home fashion sales consultant and manager. She was a longtime member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, the National Association of Career Women and Women’s Life Chapter 800. She helped start the Marysville Preschool Co-op and enjoyed gardening, watching her children and grandchildren play sports and traveling, especially to Mackinac Island.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Webb; three sons, Tim (Meggan) Coates, Brian (Merilynn) Coates and David (Andrea) Coates; eight grandchildren, Gavin, Conner, Parker, Molly Kate, Manny, Isaac, Truman and Calvin Coates; sister, Beverly (Randy) Platte; and several nieces and nephews.
Ellen Louise Hoover
Ellen Louise Hoover, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully at her home on October 9, 2025. Born on May 27, 1958, in Port Huron, Michigan, Ellen was the cherished daughter of the late Ray and Elizabeth Peter. Her life was a testament to the courage and kindness she embodied, touching the lives of all who knew her.
Ellen's early years were spent in Port Huron, where she attended Jefferson, Howard Crull, and Port Huron Northern schools before furthering her education at SC4. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors and set her on a path of lifelong learning and service.
Dedicated to her career, Ellen retired from the State of Michigan after years of commendable work in Rehabilitation. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her professional life, as she continued to contribute her time and skills at McLaren Port Huron, where she retired in 2025. Even in retirement, Ellen's passion for service never waned, as she worked casually and lent her talents to the McLaren Port Huron Foundation office. Her presence was also felt at McMorran Arena, where she worked and left an indelible mark on the community. Ellen was a faithful member of Port Huron First United Methodist Church, where she worshipped every Sunday.
Ellen was a pillar of her community, always giving to others and supporting those around her. Her love extended to her family, who will deeply miss her presence. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Tom Ginn of Kimball; her nephew, Dwuane and Jessie VanCamp; her nieces, Margaret and Dwayne Rich, Jackie and Curtis Karl, Geri and Richard Rhody, Pauline and Ken, Tony and Jenny, and Helen and Brad; step-children, Adam Hoover and Tara Pardee; and a host of great-nieces and nephews who adored her. Ellen's circle of friends, including Robin, Pam, Ardie, Penny, and Mooch, among others, will remember her for the joy and warmth she brought into their lives.
Ellen's journey through life was shared with her beloved Seth Hoover, whom she married on August 3, 1985, and who preceded her in death. She was preceded in death by her sister Marcia; brother-in-law Dwuane VanCamp; brother and sister-in-law Gary and Juanita; niece, Barbie; and nephew, Rick Hiller.
Those who knew Ellen will recall her loving and generous spirit, her courage in the face of adversity, and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the memories she created, which will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Ellen Louise Hoover's life was a beautiful reflection of the best of humanity, and she will be profoundly missed.