Christina Hsu
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the course,
I have kept the faith.
In the future there is laid up
for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me on that day;
and not only to me, but also to
all who have loved His appearing.
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Obituary
Christina Y. Hsu was a beacon of light whose brilliance, smile, and positivity left an indelible mark on everyone she met. A scholar and eternal optimist, she combined intellect with imagination and lived her life with warmth, drive, and laughter.
Christina was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, where two of her favorite pastimes were satisfying an insatiable sweet tooth and waking up wicked early to watch hours and hours of Saturday morning cartoons with her older brother, Lloyd. At the age of eight, her family moved to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts — the town she would forever call home. Christina attended Paton Elementary and Shrewsbury Middle School, where she was admired by teachers for her acuity and respect for classroom decorum. Among her peers, she was known for her sweet demeanor, vast collection of pristine, frilly dresses, and aversion to physical education. Her bubbly personality made her a friend to everyone!
During her time at Shrewsbury High School, Christina threw herself wholeheartedly into everything she did. She was a proud member of the Chess Club, Math Club, and Science Club. She served as the President of Student Council, was deeply involved with the National Honor Society, managed the Varsity gymnastic team, Captain of the Varsity tennis team, played in the school orchestra, and graduated third in her senior class.
A natural performer, Christina LOVED singing and making up her own super-cheesy musical numbers. She played piano and violin with equal joy and was also known to spontaneously break out with improvised dance moves, which reflected the creativity of her youthful spirit.
Christina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science, with a concentration in Marketing and Information Technology, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1997. She was awarded the Sloan School of Management Senior Prize, served as Class Secretary, and helped bring classmates together through her work on the Reunion Committee. A proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Christina cherished the lifelong sisterhood and friendships she formed there. True to her effervescent spirit, she often used rainbow-colored pens for her problem sets, believing that even the toughest challenges should be fun!
From there, Christina began her extraordinary career, which took her across the country and through the hallowed halls of some of the world’s most innovative and prestigious companies. While living with four fellow MIT classmates in a spacious and fun-filled Wall Street apartment, she first worked as a financial analyst at Lehman Brothers in New York City before realizing a lifelong dream of working at The Walt Disney Company in Los Angeles. It was at Disney where her love of clean data and Mickey Mouse first converged. Her professional journey next took her to San Jose, where she joined the fledgling eBay Motors group – then the fastest-growing division within the early 2000s eBay juggernaut. As Head of Strategic Analysis, Christina helped shape the team’s growth and direction, while earning the title of “Motors’ Queen of Culture,” architecting a distinct team identity that still bonds its members to this day.
In 2002, Christina achieved another lifelong dream: she joined the class of 2004 at Harvard Business School to pursue her Master of Business Administration. At Harvard, Christina instantly made her mark through her distinctive style of leadership – values first, grounded in humanity, and full of kindness. Her study group notes were well sought after amongst the first year class, always impeccably written and often color coded. She was elected Chair of the Leadership and Values Initiative, served as Section Secretary, and was appointed Admissions Ambassador. Her beloved Section D affectionately referred to her as their “CEO” – Chief Enthusiasm Officer.
To nourish her lifelong love of Mickey Mouse, Christina rejoined The Walt Disney Company upon graduation from HBS and began her stellar career in marketing. At Disney, she was awarded Employee of the Quarter in 2005 and later rose up the ranks at Viacom/Nickelodeon - where her passion for cartoons, gaming, and storytelling found a perfect home. Marketing for Neopets at Nickelodeon was a natural fit for her. After all, she truly embodied the curiosity, playfulness, and whimsy of the brand’s target audience. Christina later spearheaded growth initiatives as Chief Marketing Officer at both Jumpstart and MakieLab, and ultimately found a home at Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) in San Mateo as their Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Business Operations. Here, she played a pivotal role in transforming PlayStation’s marketing team from a regional to a global organization that engaged with over 100 million gamers worldwide. She was also instrumental in creating the company’s first global marketing strategic plan - enabling the launch of PlayStation 5, the most successful console launch in the company’s history.
Throughout her career, Christina was known for her uncompromising excellence, vibrant creativity, natural leadership, and compassionate heart. She had a rare ability to balance sharp analysis with genuine empathy and an intuitive sense of what made people happy — a combination that made her an extraordinary marketer, strategist, manager, and mentor. Whether she was building an Excel model or crafting a brand story, Christina brought the same potent combination of enthusiasm, intelligence, and integrity to every interaction. She was exceptionally driven with unwavering dedication, consistently going above and beyond to perform with precision and purpose. A natural cheerleader, she was always ready to celebrate the success of others. Many who worked with her found not just a trusted colleague, but also a lifelong friend who inspired everyone to be a better version of themselves.
What mattered most to Christina wasn’t these accolades or accomplishments, but rather the people she loved—her friends and family. She found her greatest happiness in uplifting others through shared laughter, celebrating treasured moments with her relatives, and encouraging people to find confidence with clarity so as to move forward with renewed purpose. Christina’s support was never passive; it was always intentional and deeply personal. Whether she was guiding a colleague through the nuances of a career crossroads, comforting a friend through heartbreak, or being the one person who always answered the phone to simply listen; she gave her time and heart fully. Helping others was how she shared her love.
That love was rooted in the steadfast presence of her parents, whose strength and unwavering devotion shaped the way Christina showed up for others. Whether it was through her Baba’s optimistic laughter or through her Mama’s disciplined drive, her parents were her foundation. And throughout her life, her older brother Lloyd remained a guiding light – always knowing when to step in and when to stand back – setting a pathway of success for Christina to build upon in her own way. She was shaped and strengthened by the loving support of all her aunties and uncles, who stood beside her through every chapter of life with wisdom, warmth, and encouragement. And she held a special pride for her niece and nephew, Stephanie and Jeremy. Watching them grow into thoughtful, accomplished young adults filled her with great pride. She celebrated their milestones with genuine excitement and saw in them the best parts of the family she cherished most.
In 2012, Christina met the love of her life, Robert Lu, through a mutual friend at a party in Santa Monica. Christina and Robert married in 2018 at Disneyland – the happiest place on earth and a reflection of the magical bond they shared together. Robert always says that meeting Christina was the most blessed moment of his life. They truly loved each other. To him, she was all of the Christ-like qualities he strives to be; the paragon of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Authenticly.
Although Christina never had children of her own, she was “A-ḿ,” “Auntie Hsu-Hsu,” “Auntie Rina,” “Chrissy,” “Gan-Mama,” and, of course, “Gu-Gu” to so many children She loved her Diet Coke, Boba Tea, Canadian chewing gum, gripping reality TV shows, live car chases on the news, international travel, precision colored markers, scrap booking, and paper crafting. Christina poured her heart into every handmade card she created, spending countless hours designing intricate works of art for those dearest to her. She showcased her beautiful creations, shared her tutorials, and inspired others with her artistry through her YouTube channel, Bubblegum Paper. These were her small joys that perfectly reflected her larger-than-life personality.
In 2019, Christina was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. She faced her cancer journey with unshakable courage and grace, defying medical odds and meeting every challenge head-on with determination, resilience and positivity. Christina passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025. She was 50.
In addition to her husband, Robert Lu; Christina leaves behind her brother, Lloyd Hsu (Jan Foo); her beloved nephew, Jeremy, and niece, Stephanie; and her dearly cherished Mama, Mei-sheng Tai. Christina is reunited in peace with her Baba, Dr. Shih-kuan “Ken” Hsu, who passed away in February 2023.
Services:
California - Family and friends will honor and remember Christina’s life by gathering on Saturday, November 8th for visitation in Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1106 Alameda de Las Pulgas, San Carlos from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11:30 a.m. The Rev. David Jahnke will officiate. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.
Massachusetts - Family and friends will honor and remember Christina’s life by gathering on Saturday, November 15th for visitation in the Parlor at First Congregational Church, 19 Church Road, Shrewsbury from 12 Noon - 1:00 p.m. followed by her funeral service at 1:00 p.m. in the church. The Rev. Holly MillerShank will officiate. Following the burial in Mountain View Cemetery a collation will be held in Gifford Hall at First Congregational Church.
The family would like to thank everyone who has shown their love and support over these past few years. Your friendship has been the backbone of Christina’s life force. In lieu of flowers, donations in Christina’s honor may be made to the Dr. Ken Hsu Memorial Trust, which provides scholarships to Shrewsbury High School graduates. Checks can be made out to “Shrewsbury Public Schools | Dr. Ken Hsu Memorial Trust” and mailed or dropped off at the Shrewsbury Public Schools Business Office located at 100 Maple Ave. Shrewsbury, MA 01545
RSVP BELOW
One last card for Christina...
Christina's joy was in connection - in every handwritten note and in every card taped with care to her wall of love. She read each one with her famously radiant smile and a heart full of gratitude.
If you’d like to send one last card as she journeys to Heaven, we invite you to share your words, your memories, your light.
Please bring your card to her service or send it to:
Christina Hsu
1033 Eastwood Drive
Los Altos, CA 94024
May her wall of cards continue to grow, even now — a reflection of how deeply she was loved and the countless hearts she brightened, and the joy she left behind in the simplest, most beautiful way: through love shared and remembered.
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Memory wall
Your childlike joy, zest for life and faith were an inspiration to me. May your beautiful soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to Robert and your family.
Section D will really miss you - you were such an integral part of our section.
With love,
Naana
You brought a ray of sunshine and lightness into the room. You were my first cube mate at eBay in 2001. I will never forget the lessons you taught me about proper cubicle hygiene, because of you I carried hand sanitizer 20 years before Covid! I remember working together many late nights and weekend events during those early eBay Motors years. Perhaps what I remember the most is your infectious desire to have fun- eBay Motors became special because of your spirit. You were the first of my work friends to visit Riley our son when he was born in 2002 and you kept visiting bringing us all Mickey ears and lots of great Disney story books. You visited after Kelsey was born in 2005. I remember and will cherish the many long phone calls from the car while you were commuting in LA traffic and I was in Bay Area traffic in the late 2000s. All the adventures of Jumpstart and ABC and then later when you settled at home with Sony. You have been a fantastic and lasting friend who I will never forget.
Whenever I see a rainbow I think of your Baba because of you - but now I will think of you both. I was just in Hawaii and guess what I saw- a hello in the sky from you and Baba. May you both rest in peace together and until we meet again in another day or another way- farewell. Our sincere condolences to Rob and your mom, your brother and sister-in-law and your niece and nephew. Sending our strength and love their way.
With all of our love,
Kurt, Lynette, Riley and Kelsey Apen
When I joined the organization, our early encounters—stories I’ll hold closer to the chest—became unexpected pivot points. From those first moments grew brief but meaningful connections: spaces where we found common experiences in our past, understanding for one another, and each seeking out moments to learn more.
Ray Bradbury has referenced loss in many spaces in which his stories have come to life. Perhaps my favourite, or one I think of often–
“Everyone must leave something behind… something your hand touched so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there…. It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away.”
In a world that too often asks women to quiet their strength or soften their voices, Christina led with grace and grit. Her leadership was defined by excellence w consistency, but always with heart. I can hear her laugh with absolute clarity—the gleeful stories she’d share before turning to the serious matters at hand. She led with joy, and she spoke with conviction and candor.
I sometimes find myself wondering what her perspective would be amidst difficult conversations amongst my peers. Maybe that’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s simply the echo of her impact—her garden, as Bradbury would call it. The trees she planted, the flowers she tended, the people she led and inspired.
Though my time with Christina was brief, her lasting impression on me reminds me of how deeply she must have touched those who knew her well. Her presence endures—in our work and the shared memories she left behind.
Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to Christina’s family. May the strength and warmth that Christina shared with so many of us, return to you in this impossible time. --and her memories remind us all of the impact of the garden she leaves behind.
Even though we only met once at a family gathering, I was instantly drawn to your kindness, gentleness, and bright spirit.
When I heard about your passing, my heart ached, and I couldn’t help but think, “Too young.”
But I know you’re in a better place, smiling down on us all.
We can only pray that God’s peace and comfort will be with your family, especially Robert.
Rest in peace, Christina.
The world has lost one of the kindest person I’ve ever met. Throughout my time at PlayStation, I’ve seen you light up a room with your smile and your very special sense of fun so many times. You were so bright, always curious, loved being with the team, but above all you really cared about helping others. You will be dearly missed but your laugh will always be in our hearts.
To Rob, I only met you once on Christina’s birthday but your love and dedication to her was such an inspiration. You made her so happy. I am so very sorry for your loss but know that her spirit will remain with you forever.
Issy
Thank you for your friendship, the light you shared so freely and for filling our lives with magic. I’ll carry your spirit with me always. Every rainbow we see will remind us of the beautiful connection you shared with your Baba, and now of you, too.
You will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Rest in heavenly peace. We will miss you.
Words can't express how saddened I am to hear that you've left us.
Your big bright smile will always in my memory.
Sending love to you and your family during this difficult time.
Wish you a bright new life in a different world.
The world was better because of you. My world was better because of you. Thank you for allowing me to witness your brave fight, zest for life and wonderful spirit.
Love,
Pedro Ramos
Love,
Simi Nwogugu
Family tree
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Service
We will be having 2 services - one in the Bay Area and one in Shrewsbury where she will be put to rest next to Baba.
Everyone is welcome to come to either or both services.
***PLEASE RSVP BELOW IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING THE BAY AREA SERVICE***
If you are planning to go to Shrewsbury, please RSVP by emailing
Lloyd Hsu at lloyd_hsu@yahoo.com
Thank you
(RSPV BELOW)
1106 Alameda de las Pulgas
San Carlos, CA 94070
10:30 am - Calling Hour/Visitation
11:30 am - Service
12:30 pm - Reception in Fellowship Hall
(RSVP TO lloyd_hsu@yahoo.com)
19 Church Road
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
12:00 -1:00pm - Calling Hour/Visitation
1:00pm - Service
Burial to follow in Mt. View Cemetery
Collation/Reception at Gifford Hall afterward
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Thank you.
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