Cristina Luisa “Nini” Yearwood-Rollox, née Dale, was born in Colon, Panama, on January 15, 1945, to Charles and Lucia, née Rollox, Dale. She was the third born of eight brothers and sisters. Cristina attended Abel Bravo High School, where she studied fashion design and bookkeeping. In 1970, Cristina moved to New York and met David Yearwood Jr. Together they raised their two sons, Eduardo and David III. In 1980, the next chapter in her life would begin in Illinois.

Cristina was a faithful member of St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, in Evanston, for over 20 years. Cristina enjoyed sharing her love for God with her family and friends. She also enjoyed praying with her neighbors, who were Jewish, both religions sharing the glory of God.

Cristina started her career as a jeweler in the Panama Canal Free Trade Zone. Upon her arrival in the U.S. in the 1970’s, she worked as a bookkeeper at Century Factors in New York and then at Automata and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. In 1993, she opened her fashion store “De Rollox Design” in Skokie, IL, and also taught at the Fashion Institute at the Merchandise Mart Apparel Center and at Evanston Township High School. Her store serviced numerous weddings, proms, and other engagements. Her other passion was helping others; thus she began working at a home for adults with special needs. She would continue at Evanston Hospital in hospitality services, where she met numerous individuals who called her “Mom.” At the hospital, she would take time out of her day to sit with patients to give them encouragement and words of motivation. Her love for patients led her to work individually with patients being a caregiver in their homes for many years. Cristina was well-loved by all who knew her. She always had an open door and a spare bed for anyone in need. Every holiday, Cristina would have tons of food ready just in case someone stopped by, and someone always did. Anytime someone needed advice or words of encouragement, she was there. Her words influenced many. Cristina had been in Skokie since 1985, and everyone in town seems to know her house.

If the sun was out, Cristina was out and on the move. She could be found walking along the beach or in her front yard working on the garden. Her love, devotion, and pride for her sons and grandchildren was immense and known by all who were around them. Cristina loved to dance. One of her biggest joys later in life was playing and dancing with her favorite dance partners, her grandchildren, Brie and David.

Cristina was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brothers, Carlos and Victor; and sisters, Norma, Betty, and Mantouse. Cristina is survived by her sons, Eduardo and David III; grandchildren, Camilo, Brieanne, and David IV; sisters, Lola, Elsa, and Marva; fur baby, Piper; and a host of extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Evanston Hospital.

Visitation, Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 2 p.m. until time of Funeral Service, 4 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. [ Please Note – To watch livestream of Funeral Service, click on Watch Livestream button. ]

Urn Interment, Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, at a later date.

Funeral info:  847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to sign guestbook and to leave a condolence message.

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