Christina Stamper

Christina Velez Stamper January 21, 1980 – March 12, 2026

Christina Velez Stamper, a devoted educator, world traveler, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2026. Born in Austin, Texas, on January 21, 1980, to Paul and Sally Velez, Christina was the matriarch of her siblings—a guiding light to her three brothers, Christopher, Greg (Catherine), and Thomas.

From her youth, Christina was defined by her curiosity and her roots. Whether she was attending church with her tight-knit family or visiting relatives in Harlingen and Mason, she was rarely seen without a book in hand. A gifted musician, she played French horn and piano, and scholar, she brought her talents to the Bowie High School and University of Texas at Austin marching bands. She graduated from UT with a degree in Liberal Arts and a minor in Ancient French Literature—a testament to her love for culture and history. Hook ‘em Horns.

Just before graduating, Christina married the love of her life, Tae. Over twenty-four years of marriage, they built a life of adventure. Christina’s wanderlust took them across the globe—from the food markets of Oaxaca and Barcelona to the historic streets of Lisbon. An adventurous eater, she delighted in everything from French escargot to “moving” hot pot in China, even encouraging Tae to speak Spanish so they could better navigate the interior of Mexico together. – despite her fluency.

Christina was a woman of unmistakable style. She was often heard before she was seen, heralded by the rhythmic “staccato” click of her signature high heels. A lover of vintage dresses, big hats, and bold jewelry (a love her mother gave her), she moved through the world in shades of purple and a classic splash of red lipstick.

Professionally, Christina’s heart belonged to the classroom. After earning her Master’s in Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, she became a powerhouse in her district, eventually being named Teacher of the Year. Whether teaching STEM or the intricacies of the U.S. Constitution, she taught with passion and a Beatles soundtrack playing in the background. She didn’t just teach subjects; she cared deeply for the citizens she was helping her students become. She also walked what she taught, attending protests for rights and being a union representative in her school.

In her final years, Christina showed the same tenacity she applied to her studies. Though diagnosed with lung cancer and given three years to live, she defied the odds for eight years, gifting her family five extra years of memories. She was taken too soon, but the “staccato click” of her legacy will echo in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many students she inspired.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at Thompson Park (West Shelter) located at 420 Bross St, Longmont, CO 80501. In honor of Mrs. Stamper’s colorful spirit, inside and out, we invite you to wear a splash of purple or your favorite vibrant rainbow colors. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

Please feel free to check out the link below in honor of Christina:

https://stampermemorial.com/