Christine Emmi Cleveland

Christine Emmi Cleveland (Christel) age 97, of Sacramento, California passed away peacefully Sunday, January 2, 2022. She was born February 26, 1924, in Ortelsburg, Germany to Eduard and Marta Spurgat. In her early twenties, she was a ballerina with the Vienna State Opera Ballet, then married American Air Force Officer, Lewis Alman Cleveland on May 31, 1948. The family was stationed in the States and Europe for many years. Settling in Sacramento, Christel was a ballet teacher, yoga instructor, and fitness instructor. She was an active member of the Sacramento Turnverein Harmonie Choir for many years, and an active volunteer at Theatre Ballet of Sacramento, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School where two of her granddaughters attended. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting as well as classical music, dancing, singing and most of all, spending time with her family, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and friends from all over the world. She is survived by her two children, Michael Cleveland of San Jose, and Christina Cleveland of Fair Oaks and four grandchildren, Jennifer Erskine (Bob) of Redwood City, Brian Cleveland (Joanna) of Morgan Hill, Chelsea Airola of San Diego and Forrest Airola of Reno, Nevada and three great-grandchildren, Jacob Erskine, MacKenzie Cleveland and Madison Cleveland. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Marta & Eduard Spurgat, husband, Lewis Alman Cleveland, son Barry Cleveland and sister Ulla Spurgat. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Sierra View Funeral Home in Carmichael. Private family burial will follow at Fair Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in her name to the Sacramento Turnverein, 3349 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.