1938 – 2022 GARDINER – Christine Jean Szigeti-Johnson, 83, of Gardiner, died Wednesday September 7, 2022 at the Maine General Rehabilitation and LTC at Glenridge, in Augusta, after a long illness. She was born in Bridgeport, CT., on December 16, 1938, the daughter of George and Krisztina (Rasch) Szigeti. Christine held a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University and went on to teach Biology at Greenwich High School, in Greenwich, Ct. She then received her master's degree from Columbia University in language studies. After moving to Maine in 1966, she taught at Stevens School for Girls, in Hallowell. She owned and operated The Upper Crust Bakery in Manchester and Chukchi Real Estate in Gardiner. She was the first woman elected to the Gardiner City Council. She served as executive director of the Maine advisory council on Vocational Education. She was gifted in music and sang and played with the Maine Balalaika Band. Christine is survived by her husband of 52 years, Willys Johnson, of Gardiner, and her two brothers Alex of Florida and George of New Mexico, as well as cousins in the U.S. and Hungary. She is predeceased by her parents. Per Christine's wishes there will be no services. However, in lieu of flowers, one can donate to the ASPCA. Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com