Christine Albina Glorioso-Pika

Christine Albina Glorioso-Pika, of Ellicott City, Maryland passed away on February 21, 2021 at the age of 92.

Chrissy, as she was affectionately called by all who knew and loved her, was born Albina Maria Christine Haag on December 11, 1928 in Esslingen am Neckar, Württemberg, Germany. The daughter of Gebhard and Maria (Van Belle) Haag, Chrissy was very close with her parents and three older brothers. She was heartbroken to lose two brothers in combat during World War II. But one bright spot did come from the war: it would bring a handsome American soldier to Chrissy’s hometown in Germany who would alter the course of her life forever.

Chrissy met Salvatore John Glorioso, Sr. at a Christmas Eve mass at her church. John was enamored with her, and followed her onto the bus, asking in rudimentary German if he could take the seat next to hers. He endeavored to win the approval of Chrissy’s family, improving his German language skills and bringing her mother’s favorite flowers. When he asked Chrissy to marry him, she said yes without hesitation. They married at Saint Paul’s Church in Esslingen am Neckar (the same church where they first met) on October 16, 1948. When John’s military service was complete later that year, the couple moved to America.

Chrissy bravely left behind everything and everyone she knew in Germany. Her first job in America was at a German bakery, where she improved her English skills and became fluent in the language. She proudly passed her citizenship test and became an American citizen on May 13, 1953. John and Chrissy lived on their farm in Kingsville, welcoming three children. Chrissy stayed home with the children and, ever the hard worker, continued to hold part-time jobs in the evenings when the kids grew older at Henderson’s Deli and The Blue Bell Restaurant. She was beloved by many of the carryout patrons who were drawn to her friendly nature and welcoming smile.

Sadly, Chrissy would become a young widow when her beloved John passed away suddenly in 1975. Eventually, she would find companionship with her second husband, Joseph Pika. They married in 1989 and lived in Fallston, enjoying traveling and spending time with family. Chrissy tenderly cared for Joe throughout a prolonged illness, until his passing in 1992.

A devout Catholic, Chrissy was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City and St. Mark's Catholic Church in Fallston. Her faith sustained her throughout the challenges of life. She had a particular affinity for St. Anthony, and enjoyed visiting the Shrine of St. Anthony near her home in Ellicott City.

Chrissy loved being with her family and cooking for them. Her meatballs became the stuff of legend. Yes, the German girl made a fantastic Italian meatball that remains the staple of many family gatherings! Feeding her family--literally and figuratively--was so important to her. She nourished their hearts in addition to their appetites.

She loved caring for her flowers and plants, word search games, scratch offs, reading her German magazines, card games (especially Tripoly!) and bus trips with her friends to casinos to play the slots.

The best thing about Chrissy was her unconditional love and kindness. She simply made people feel good, special, and valued. She approached life with a sparkle in her eye, a ready smile, and a special brand of positivity that brought joy to all who knew her. Even so, the woman with such a soft heart and sweet nature was not a pushover… she was strong and brave, even in the face of loss or tough times. In addition to losing her parents, siblings, and husbands, Chrissy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Salvatore J. (Sal) Glorioso, Jr., who passed away unexpectedly last year. Though her heart was broken, she carried on with her signature strength and faith.

Chrissy leaves behind so many family members and friends who will miss her. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Maria Wilder (Phillip) and Christina Glorioso-Mullan (Martin); daughter-in-law Joyce Glorioso; stepson Joseph Pika Jr. (Mary), grandchildren Adina Wilder, Kelly Fodel, Kasey Chisholm, and Jaimie Wilder; and many step-grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation is scheduled for March 6th from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at McComas Funeral Home, 1317 Cokesbury Road in Abingdon. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks are required and capacity is limited to 50 visitors at a time.

A funeral mass will be hosted by the family on March 13th at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 3175 Paulskirk Drive in Ellicott City, followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Belair Road in Baltimore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shrine of Saint Anthony, 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City MD 21042, or to the charity of your choice in Chrissy’s honor.