I was saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend Christina M. O’Halloran.
While many people knew her from SF fandom and costuming, I was forever being amazed at the many many communities I unexpectedly shared with her, and at her deep and heartfelt engagement and commitment in all of them. She was truly an inspiration in not only her genuinely kind nature, but also her fierce determination and willingness to actively aid and defend all sorts of people in need.
I can only strive to be as kind and fierce a light in this world as she was.
My heartfelt condolences to her spouse and partner in so many endeavors, John O’Halloran.
ICG President
August 27, 2025
I don’t remember at which event I first met Christina and John; they were ubiquitous at the conventions I attended, but they also turned up volunteering at Pride events, I think at Greyhaven parties in Berkeley, and at costume and recreation events all over California (and the world). It was truly astonishing in how many social circles I intersected with her.
To quote from the ICG Lifetime Achievement Award page she shares with her husband John:
Christina and John O’Halloran are best known for their work behind the scenes, helping masquerades at all levels run smoothly and efficiently, and keeping costumers calm and encouraged. They served as Stage Directors for Costume-Con 26 masquerades in 2008. John was also Stage Manager for Worldcon 60 (ConJose) and has worked backstage in many roles for Worldcon since 1985.
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Christina can frequently be found helping to staff exhibits, information desks, or the Green Room when she is not backstage
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Both Christina and John have appeared as panelists at multiple conventions and have written articles on their backstage work and costume photography for costuming publications
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They sometimes also appear on stage, including at Worldcon 61 (Torcon 3) in the best-in show entry, “Trumps of Amber,” at Woldcon 62 (Noreastcon 4), at Costume-Con 23, and at Costume-Con 26. Christina occasionally costumes shows for her local community theater, and is a hall costumer, re-creating such characters as “Dolores Umbridge” from the Harry Potter series.
Christina and John are probably most familiar to Con-goers as the duo in tie-dye/aloha shirts, which pretty much qualifies these days as “historical” costuming.
This is all true but hardly adequate; I was privileged to work and play with her on many projects and events with her (on-stage and off) , and every single one was better for her presence and participation. Even as her health difficulties grew she continued to be a kindhearted and welcome presence at gatherings virtual and in-person.
I’d like to close by sharing a couple of photos in particular: one, of Christina with her beloved and loving husband John in their joyously loud tie-dye shirts, and a second, of her in one of the most genuinely primly frightening hall costumes ever, as Dolores Umbridge:
Farewell, Christina. May your memory be a blessing.
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