Christine M Stellrecht

Dr. Christine Marie Stellrecht
November 05, 1959 - July 6, 2025

Dr. Christine Marie Stellrecht of Albany, NY—a devoted research scientist, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—died peacefully on July 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous two-year battle with liver disease.

Known to many as Tina, she was raised in Rotterdam, NY, the daughter of Margaret Myers Stellrecht Osterlitz and Robert H. Stellrecht. She graduated from Mohonasen Central School District in 1977. She earned an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Hudson Valley Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology from the University at Buffalo in 1981, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1991.

Tina lived in Houston, Texas, for 35 years, where her passion for cancer research brought her to MD Anderson Cancer Center. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in Cell Biology at Baylor College of Medicine, she joined the faculty in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at MD Anderson in 1996. She rose through the ranks from Research Associate to Assistant Professor and eventually Associate Professor.

Her research focused on gene regulation and therapeutic strategies for breast and lung cancers. Despite the challenges of single parenthood, Tina was extensively published and cited more than 6,000 times by fellow researchers. She served on numerous editorial boards and professional committees, including the American Association for Cancer Research – Women in Cancer Research. Among her many honors was a Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award.

Six years ago, Tina returned to the Capital District and worked as a Molecular Development Specialist at Albany Medical Center. There, she contributed to the development of diagnostic tests in Molecular Oncology and Molecular Microbiology.

She was predeceased by her parents, stepfather Anthony Osterlitz, sister Patricia D. Eyer, stepbrothers Mark and Vincent Osterlitz, and former husband William Mulcahey. She is survived by her daughter Megan A. Mulcahey of Albany, NY; son William T. Mulcahey II of Port Lavaca, TX; child Lulu Mulcahey of Albany; and grandson Josiah A. Shelton of Albany. She is also survived by her brothers John R. Stellrecht of Guilderland, NY; Richard S. Stellrecht (Barbara Shaver) of Malta, NY; David J. Stellrecht of Guilderland, NY; her sister Barbara J. Welch (Ken) of Esperance, NY; and her twin sister Dr. Kathleen A. Stellrecht (Christopher Burns) of Albany, NY. Additional surviving family include her stepsister Mary Mlodzianowski (Joseph) of Rotterdam, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

A devout Catholic, Tina served as a Eucharistic Minister in Houston and was a member of the Rosary Society. She had a deep love for animals—including her cats Tiffy, Ralph, Leo, and her dog Charlie. She enjoyed music, especially her favorite band, The Revivalists, and was an avid fan of the Houston Texans, Astros, and Rockets.

Tina treasured her time with family, especially summers at Galway Lake and family dinners, and cherished the many friendships she cultivated over the years, including with her dear friend, the late Dr. Marsha Frasier. Her favorite pastimes included windsurfing, crafting, and gardening.

Memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center or American Cancer Society.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 10, 2025 at the Demarco Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave Schenectady, NY from 4-7pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in Rotterdam at Friday July 11, 2025 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Schenectady.
Family and friends are invited to share on-line condolences and memories at DemarcoStone FuneralHome.com