Christina Marie Dargan

Christina Marie Dargan, 21, passed away on September 27, 2009 in Fort Myers, FL, where she was studying Occupational Therapy at Florida Gulf Coast University. Christina had transferred to Gulf Coast two years ago, after earning her Associate in Arts degree from the University of Florida. Christina was a 2006 graduate of Wellington High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Christina was happiest when she was helping disabled children and riding horses. She combined both those loves when she began volunteering at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center at age 12. For her outstanding efforts serving Vinceremos over the years, Christina was awarded Co-Volunteer of the Year in 2005, along with her best friend, Sarah Menor. Christina earned her NARAH certification as a therapeutic riding instructor. This past summer, Christina worked for an organization in North Carolina called Talisman Programs, where she helped children with autism. She also assisted with Palm Beach County Special Olympics equestrian and skiing teams. While at Gulf Coast, Christina has actively participated in the sailing club. She traveled with the team regularly and attended weekly meetings and practices. Christina returned last weekend from a sailing regatta with the team at the University of South Florida. Christina will be deeply missed by her mother, Debbie Aria Dargan and fianc'e, Tom McKibans of Wellington; her father, Howard Dargan and stepmother, Michele Dargan of Wellington; two brothers, Sean Dargan and Ryan Dargan; grandmother, Marilyn Copson; cousin, Crystal Aria and aunts and uncles, Doug Aria, Mike and Gina Aria, Robert Dargan, Loretta Stanley, Helen and Richard Martin, Richard and Peggy Dargan and Ginny Dargan. Visitation will take place 4-8 PM Friday at St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Funeral services will take place 10 AM Saturday, at St. Peter's. For additional information, call Palms West Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Christina's memory to Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, 13300 6th Court N., Loxahatchee, FL 33470.