BALLSTON SPA — Christine Rose Cochrane, whom her family described as “a fierce, strong, loyal, and reliable woman,” was a math teacher at Guilderland High School and coached its varsity girls’ soccer team.

She died on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, “surrounded by her family’s fierce and enduring love,” her family wrote in a tribute. She was 36.

“Born June 27, 1988, in the town of Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada, Christine constantly pursued a thrilling life full of adventure,” her family wrote. “She had a unique ability to instill this vibrant liveliness in everyone she met. She will be profoundly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

“Christine and her family immigrated to the United States in 2000 and established residence in Kansas City, Missouri, ultimately moving to Concord, New Hampshire in 2003. Growing up, Christine developed her passions for soccer, education, and embracing the experiences that life has to offer.

“She studied and played soccer at Saint Anselm College and obtained a master’s degree in education from Southern New Hampshire University. Upon the completion of her degrees, Christine taught high school mathematics at several schools across New Hampshire and New York.

“One of her most notable experiences was working at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. She made an immense impact on programs, curriculum, and most importantly, her students, at every opportunity.

“Christine was always looking for an opportunity to continue to play soccer, and through an adult pick-up league, Christine met her adoring husband, Tom Rogan. Christine and Tom’s shared enthusiasm for life, soccer, running, boating, education, and adventure brought them eight years of unwavering love and never-ending excitement.

“In addition to playing soccer as often as possible, Christine evolved into an effective and impactful girls’ soccer coach. She coached girls’ club soccer for New York Elite, was the assistant girls’ varsity soccer coach at Bethlehem Central High School from 2018 to 2022, and most recently secured her dream job of teaching mathematics and serving as the head girls’ varsity soccer coach at Guilderland High School in 2023.”

“A dedicated educator, Ms. Cochrane approached teaching with unwavering commitment,” the Guilderland Central School District wrote in a tribute posted to its website. “Despite battling illness, her exceptional strength and dedication to her students motivated her to continue teaching with remarkable energy, exuberance and enthusiasm, even on challenging days.”

“Though her time with us was brief,” said Guilderland High School Principal Michael Piscitelli in the tribute, “her impact was profound. She touched the lives of students, colleagues, and the entire GHS community in ways that will not be forgotten.”

As head coach, Ms. Cochrane led the Guilderland girls’ varsity soccer team for two seasons. This past season, she guided the team to the Class AAA Section 2 semifinals.

“Christine was tough and resilient, finding the courage to be on the sideline for her team,” said Athletic Director David Austin in the district’s tribute. “She did both her jobs as teacher and coach well. I will forever be grateful for her work with our girls’ soccer program.”

“If Christine was not playing, coaching, or watching soccer,” her family wrote, “she enjoyed time spent relaxing, wakeboarding, and water skiing on Saratoga Lake, time spent with her and Tom's puppies, tailgating and attending concerts and professional theatre performances, being with friends and family, working with her hands on DIY home improvement projects, playing and winning strategy games, and building and designing her dream home on Saratoga Lake.

“Her determination, confidence, authenticity, honesty, and integrity will endure through all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all.”

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Christine Rose Cochrane is survived by her loving husband, Tom Rogan; her mother, Dianne Poulin and her husband, Mike; her father, Brian Cochrane; her sister, Jen Cochrane; her brother, Sean Cochrane; her stepson, Jake Rogan; her stepbrother, James Poulin and family; her in-laws Tom, Paul (Jenn), and Katie Rogan; her nieces and nephews, Hayley, Jessica, Keira, Leah, Emma, and Owen; and her puppies, Lexi and Ace. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends.

Friends and family are invited and may call on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home at 21 Midline Road in Ballston Lake.

A celebration of her life will follow calling hours at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

The celebration will continue with dinner at the Holiday Inn at 232 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Special Olympics, Attention: Memorial Giving, 1133 19th Street N.W., 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036-3604.