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Krystine Rojas made her family’s hopes come true from a young age. Having been adopted into a family with three other children, her arrival had answered her new older sister’s prayers.
“She had black hair and a beautiful tan; I was a fair complected redhead. She was a free spirit, I was shy and obedient,” explained Krystine’s sister, Veronica Burke. Veronica noted that in spite of being opposites in many ways, what they had in common was a familial bond and love for eachother.
Years later Krystine fulfilled her dream of creating her own family, adopting her sons Carl and Samuel.
“She devoted herself to teaching strong values, a love of fishing and outdoor adventure, and to appreciate how important family truly is” to her children. Veronica recalled, “Krys loves her boys unconditionally and there is simply nothing she wouldn’t do for them.”
Krystine’s son, Samuel, shared several qualities that exemplify his mother, including selflessness, honesty, humor and a whimsical innocence that illustrates how she “isn’t afraid to be embarrassed by her actions at all.”
Krystine made sure to prioritize enjoyment and fun with her children, while also being a keen ear when they would face interpersonal challenges at school. “She did a good job of providing just the right amount of care and love. She was also willing to be firm and correct us when we were wrong,” Samuel said.
The adventures continue into adulthood, as trips to Washington, D.C., New York City and Oahu mark bucket-list items recently checked off by this supermom. In her spare time, Krystine enjoys knitting, sewing, crocheting and cooking, all coming second to her passion for fishing.
“If she could, I bet she would fish nearly every day,” Samuel exclaimed. Last year in Hawaii, the family caught Krystine’s first Striped Marlin.
This “child-like innocence” was a memorable part of her children’s experience growing up. “She was immune to the cruel world and its prejudices,” recounted Samuel. “She was like a big kid. Open to trying nearly everything and not afraid to make a fool of herself.”
Krystine’s focus on “dancing to the beat of her own drum,” as Veronica put it, is an admirable part of who she is today. “She expresses herself as she sees fit and she lets others’ remarks flow right off her back,” Veronica said.
Additionally, her spreading of love and kindness are another cornerstone of Krystine.
“She does not expect to readily receive from others,” said Veronica. “She therefore appreciates anything someone gives her or does for her. When someone extends a kindness to her, they need to be acknowledged and appreciated.”
Veronica explained that this extends to animals as well. Krystine enjoys spending time with her cat Bobbi and her dog Rogi. “She can pour her heart and devotion into them and value the relationship she has with them,” Veronica added.
A knack for creativity allows Krystine to create forms of art and craft to share with loved ones, including a sock monkey for her nephew. “It is her love language to create the most unique work of art for people,” Veronica said.
Another hallmark of Krystine’s personality is her work ethic and sacrifice. Cultivating a career that spanned across industries, Krystine spent many years working for FedEx and USPS both while living in Alaska. She also worked for Odawa Casino in Michigan, KFC, and Anchorage airport along the way.
“I admire my mom’s work ethic,” shared Samuel, noting that she “worked very hard and, at times, even more than one job to make ends meet and to put food on the table.”
This selfless attitude is evident beyond her occupations. Upon the birth of her grandson, Krystine relocated to a new state, sacrificing her current home and comfort to care for her family. “She is simply crazy about her grandson,” Veronica said.
Krystine has taught many important lessons to her family, both through instruction and through demonstration. “She taught me to be humble and taught me to be nice and kind to others,” said Samuel. “I have come to truly appreciate time over material belongings and things.”
Samuel also noted that Krystine taught him “the gift of gab.”
From her sister’s appraisal of Krystine as a “gift” to her son’s pride and admiration, Krystine’s family cherishes her and all she has given them, as Samuel expressed: “I love you. You’ve done more for me than anyone else in my life. You have been such a brave, strong fighter throughout this entire process and it’s made me so proud.”
