Christine Dryden

Christine Anne Dryden 54, of Wilmington, Delaware, and formerly of Newark, Georgetown, and Ocean View, DE, passed away on March 16, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer.

Born on June 17, 1970, to Littleton and Josephine Dryden in Wilmington, Christine’s life was marked by a deep love for family, food, and service to others. She attended A.I. Dupont High School and graduated from The Gunston School in Centerville, MD.

Christine’s vibrant spirit and infectious energy shone through everything she did. A dedicated professional in the food service and hospitality industries, she was known for her creativity and passion in the kitchen. She won numerous cooking contests over the years and shared her culinary expertise through a weekly food column in her local newspaper.

Cooking, especially for her family during holidays and special occasions, was a profound joy for Christine. The National Hard Crab competition, an annual tradition with her parents, was a highlight in her life that brought her immense pride and joy. Her love for food extended beyond contests—it was a way for her to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.

Christine was deeply committed to her faith and church community—a devout member of her local churches—St. James, Millcreek, and St. Paul’s, Georgetown—she found fulfillment in volunteering for Sunday coffee hours and supporting Meals on Wheels. She gave of herself generously, continually seeking ways to lift others up.

In her later years, Christine found purpose in mentoring others, teaching life skills like cooking to those in need. Her passion for helping others was matched only by her love for photography. She was always ready with a camera to capture precious moments, preserving memories for those she loved. Above all, Christine’s heart belonged to her cats—over 100 in her lifetime. Their companionship was a source of comfort and joy that filled her heart.

Christine was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Littleton Jr. and Josephine Dryden, her brother, Littleton Dryden III, her aunt, Gloria Richardson, and her grandparents, Ralph and Violet Richardson and Littleton and Dorothy Dryden. She is survived by her brother, Bartley Dryden (Dan Cruce) of Wilmington, DE, sister-in-law, Beth Dryden, and niece and nephew, Karlie and Littleton Chase Dryden IV, of Newark, DE. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, Anne and Joseph Forester of Millsboro, DE, and Ralph (Buster) and Beverly Richardson of Milton, DE, and her cousins, Molly McLarnon, Sallie Davis, Pat Forester, Bo Richardson, John Richardson, and Joe Forester, along with their spouses and children.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Philip Margiotta and the team at Christiana Care, the friends at Saavik, the congregations at St. James, Millcreek, and St. Paul’s, Georgetown and the compassionate staff at Delaware Hospice for their care and support. Also, heartfelt thanks to Cindy Fauerbach, Julie Sharrar and Jennifer deJonghe for their unwavering friendship and thoughtfulness.

Christine’s legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, her love of cooking, and her generous heart. She will be deeply missed.

Service Information: Christine’s service will be Monday, March 24, 2025 with an 11AM viewing at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947, immediately followed by a graveside service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 122 E. Pine Street, Georgetown, DE 19947.