On April 13, 2026, Kristianna Martindale passed from this life into the arms of her beloved Saviour. The daughter of James Martindale and Athie Hirakis Martindale, she was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on Dec. 29, 1954. Both of her parents earned voice degrees from Michigan State University and went on to pursue careers in teaching.
Kristianna sang with the New York Choral Society for 26 years, and it was there that she met her life partner, Alan Heins.
She is survived by her lifelong friend Barbara Kennedy and her son Ian Kennedy, her sister Roxanne Murphy (Bruce), her brother Preston (Tonja), Alan’s daughter Laurie Schult (Eric), and many nieces and nephews.
Kristianna attended the Rudolf Steiner Waldorf School (kindergarten through 12), then received her BA and MA from Adelphi University, with a specialty in Waldorf Education.
Her first professional position was teaching dyslexic children in Vermont, then moved to teaching English as a second language at the United Nations International School. She was hired by the Three Village School System and taught sixth grade. She then became the district’s mentor for new elementary teachers.
Alongside the New York Choral Society, Kristianna performed in multiple Broadway productions for the Three Village School District, often in leading roles.
Kristianna also sang in choruses with the DiCapo Opera Company, the Catskill Chorus, the Phoenicia Festival, and church choirs in Roxbury and Sarasota, Florida.
