A popular and dedicated teacher from Boardman passed away after a seven-year battle with ALS.

Viewers may recall Christine Terlesky from earlier stories we've done about her brave struggle with the irreversible disease. She died on Saturday, and her father and sister shared their memories with 21 News.

In 2014, a year after she was diagnosed, Christine was on hand when the Boardman soccer team took the then-popular ice bucket challenge to raise money for ALS in her honor.

Christine and her children also took the challenge. A golf invitational also was dedicated to Christine and her fight. Her sister says through in all, Christine always stayed positive.

IF I EVER THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A BAD DAY I'D GO BACK TO HER BACK SHE WOULD TALK ME OUT OF BEING NEGATIVE OR WHATEVER NO MATTER WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH HER SHE WAS ALWAYS POSITIVE," said Christine's sister Nadine

Christine was a teacher for 19 years in Boardman, her father says it's what she loved.                                                                                                                                                                                          

"SHE WAS A GREAT TEACHER AND SHE CONNECTED WITH ALL KIND OF STUDENTS," said ron moschella.

She also connected with players on the basketball court as her Dad's assistant coach.

"SHE WAS A LITTLE TYKE SHE WAS ONLY FIVE FOOT BUT SHE WAS A HECK OF A BASKETBALL PLAYER AND SHE SHOWED OUR KIDS DIFFERENT MOVES THAT SHE HAD," said the longtime Boardman coach.

Her energy and inspiration was contagious, even when the disease forced her to give up teaching.

"SHE WANTED TO LIVE THE REST OF HER LIFE FOR HER FAMILY SHE WAS THE GLUE OF THAT FAMILY NO MATTER HOW SICK SHE WAS EVEN WHEN SHE COULDN'T TALK," said Moschella.

Christine donated her brain and spinal cord to help advance ALS research.

IT'S IMPORtANT to not FORGET ABOUT THIS DISEASE BECAUSE IT'S A DEVASTATING DISEASE."

Christine leaves her husband Brian, and children, Brian, Tyler and Emma.