Dear Mellisa, 

We extend our condolences. We are thinking of you and your daughters, Zoe and Sky. We remember Chris was very excited and happy on Halloween at Robin's place. Sending many hugs, Lili+Paul&Charlotte.

I just looked back at my emails with Chris and it brought a smile to my face remembering all the exchanges we had about girl scouts, birthday parties, school at Mundo Verde, and soccer. Chris kindly agreed to coach the 'Rockstars' soccer team that Skylar and Stella played on, and I was the manager for one of those years so we had a lot of exchanges. There were also birthday parties (Skylar and our daughter Stella were great friends and Zoe and our daughter Zahra were great friends), and camping trips, hikes, girl scout cookie sales, and so many other activities! I also remember a wonderful Halloween party at Chris and Mel's place, and a birthday party for either Zoe or Skylar at the pool, and they were always so hospitable!  Kevin and I always enjoyed our chats with Chris and Melissa and have missed them since COVID disrupted our lives and our kids ended up at different schools. But those times in our lives were the very best and Chris was always there, supporting Skylar and Zoe through everything.  I also remember how proud she was of Melissa's work and she told me all about her conservation projects with the zoo. We know that this support created a foundation for your family that will remain with you for the rest of your lives. We will never forget Chris and hope that we can see you soon to talk about the good old times. - Sarah, Kevin, Zahra, Stella and Barrett

Chris was an innovator, a creator, a builder with a fierce imagination of what was possible for working people. She tirelessly imagined how we could do things better and insisted we try harder.  I learned so much from Chris in my time in DAIR .... her contribution and legacy is enormous and long lasting.   May her memory be a blessing.  Chris Neff 

Chris was a great Grievance Chair and tireless steward for the AFL-CIO Guild Unit and co-workers.

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I will have to cheer extra hard in the Blair bleachers for soccer next year in her honor. And I really wish I knew her "Ohio rules" for Euchre! Sending you all my love and sympathies as you and the girls navigate this.

I've known Chris since I started working at CWA in 2018. She had a grounding presence and was a great listener. I enjoyed every interaction I had with her and came away feeling more connected to my care for the labor movement. She was so smart and had a huge heart. I feel very lucky to have known her as a colleague.

Melissa, Skye, and Zoe,

I worked with Chris for the last 12 years at the AFL-CIO. I'm so heartbroken that she is not with us. She was brave, direct, and possessed the rare combination of institutional memory and practical hope for the future of workers and the union. She was one of my favorite work friends; she loved helping affiliates with her technical skills. We shared stories of raising teens, skiing, growing up on farms, promoting telework, and, in one of our last conversations, the art of growing gladioli. I planted my first bulbs last summer and will plant more this spring in her honor. While Chris said she'd teach me to play Catan during one of my return trips to D.C., I regret never taking the time to set the game date. I know she would have been a fierce and fun competitor!

I hope that you all feel warmth in the memories that surround you and know that Chris touched so many people. And, she spoke with such love and pride in all of you and your accomplishments.

I was shocked when I heard the news of your wife's passing, Mel. Best wishes to you and your daughters.

Dear Mel, Skye and Zoe,

My heart is so heavy with the news of Chris’ passing. No words can heal the hurt from the loss of such a beautiful human being but I wanted to share that even though it’s been a while since we’ve all seen each other, your family has been and always will be such an integral part of our existence as a family unit in DC. I learned so much about motherhood and the second phase of “growing up” from Chris and I will never forget that. You were the family Inez felt most comfortable with when Juniper was born and that’s a big deal especially with Snowzilla extending her stay with you! I have so many good memories of Chris and our family’s time together and I will always cherish them. Know that we are always thinking of you and loving you all from not so far away. 

-Gale

I will miss running into Chris outside your house and getting into long conversations about family the state of the country, etc. We were talking about good places to hike, maybe with Beth, just the week before she passed. She will be greatly missed by so many people whose lives she touched...

We visited Chris, Mel & girls from Mongolia. — with Chris & Mel with girls and Kirk&Tuya with Ocean

High school graduation trip to Daytona, FL, before the long drive - with Chris, Jill, Sandi, Kim, Michele, Mike and Jeff

Holiday get-together at Mike's

Snorkeling during our spring break trip

Mel, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I am holding you and the girls in my heart.  

Melissa, Skye and Zoe -

I loved Chris.  It's rare to make a new, close friend in adulthood. And meeting Chris and becoming friends was a gift.  I loved Chris' enthusiasm, her passion, her excitement about being alive. Whether it was taking pictures at the soccer field with her incredible camera (I think every picture I have of Eden playing soccer is from Chris!), hearing her share with pride and gusto what the three of you were up to, or thoughtfully engaging on issues - Chris was fully present.  I have learned a lot from her willingness to look at an issue with a new perspective.  Changing her mind wasn't a sign of weakness; it was a sign of integrity.  Chris was a source of wisdom for me on being a better mom.  I will miss her sound counsel.   She adored you all. You gave her so much joy and pride.  I prefer to think of her watching over you, cheering you on, and loving you fiercely from her soul perch.  May her memory be for a blessing in your lives always. It surely will in mind. 

My deepest condolences to you and your girls, and all your family and friends, on Chris' passing. I am so very sorry for your loss Mel. May all your lovely memories of Chris be a comfort to you. Much love, Norm

Dear Melissa, Skylar and Zoe, 

We were shocked to learn this news about Chris. While we have not seen your family in many years (since our days together at Mundo and Girl Scouts), we remember all of you fondly and always really enjoyed talking to Chris. She was a lovely person and I know she cared deeply for her family. And she was so proud of all of you – I remember her speaking to me proudly about Melissa’s research and the girls and all their activities.  She adored her girls and was such a wonderful mom and kind human! 

We hope you will eventually find comfort in all the memories you have with your wonderful mother/wife. She leaves behind quite a legacy in all of you!

Sending our sincere condolences and all our love –

Sarah, Kevin, Zahra, Stella and Barrett 

Melissa I am so very sorry for your loss.  I knew Chris mostly through my sister Jill, and as I think of her I especially remember her wonderful laugh.  We became Facebook friends as adults & I came to really admire and respect Chris for her advocacy,  her wonderful photography and mostly for her deep love for and pride in her family. 

Melissa, I'm so, so sorry to hear about Chris.  We are thinking of you and your girls, and sending love your way. 

I am so sorry for your loss Melissa. I hope you find comfort in the memories and stories of the wonderful life and love you shared. I will keep you, Zoe, and Skylar in my thoughts. 

circa 2015

Early morning bird & chat

Early morning bird & chat