Kristina Ivane Burfeind

Kristina Ivane Burfeind, 47 of Carmel, passed away on July 12, 2020. She was born on March 8, 1973 in Cincinnati, OH to Donald and Joanne Burfeind. Tina loved to spend time with her family and her fur babies. She was also a Colts and a Fever fan, but her true passion was her Indiana Pacers. She has been a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel for over 45 years. She worked part-time at Goodwill Industries for over 10 years and was so proud to be able to assist when needed as a sign interpreter. Her infectious smile will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.

Tina is survived by her parents; brother Scott (Pam) Burfeind; many aunts and uncles; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins. She is preceded in passing by her maternal grandparents, Anthony and Helen Tananis; and paternal grandparents, Al and Esta Burfeind.

Friends and family are invited to gather from 4:00 pm to 7:00pm on Friday July 17, 2020 at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel (325 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032). A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday July 18, 2020 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church (14598 Oak Ridge Rd., Carmel, IN 46032). Memorial contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, or to the Indiana School for the Deaf. Please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.

To our precious Tina,

We have been so blessed and privileged to have you as our daughter.  You struggled from your first moment on earth.  For lack of a better description we referred to you as challenged.  That was true. One of the wonders of Tina, though, was what we learned from you because of your challenges.  We came to know that people with a hearing loss tend to create an order in their lives.  We learned how to organize.  They also sometimes mispronounce (or make up their own) words.  You taught us a few—one which our family will forever use is (the meat) “shicken.”  You knew none of us understood sign language – but you and your brother “signed.”  Absolutely no one but you understood Scotts signs!  People legally blind in one eye often bump into things –and step on pets sometimes; all of our pets through the years learned that as you bestowed many apologies on them.  You taught us to try to be patient.  At any pain or setback you always said, “It is what it is!”  You made a friend of everyone you met.  But the innocent essence of Tina was your kindness, your cheerfulness, your helpfulness, your love –and your smile.  We are so proud and so amazed at the woman you have become!  We love and miss you so very much!

Mom and Dad