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In memory of

Mary (Chris) Christine Merritt

Juneau, AK, USA

June 11, 1949 - July 21, 2018

Jun 11, 1949 - Jul 21, 2018

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Mary Christine "Chris" Merritt passed from this life on July 21, 2018, the result of a long and hard fought battle with a Descending Aortic Dissection. She was 69 years old.

Chris was born on June 11, 1949 in Inglewood, CA to Barbara (Dittmar) & Edwin Merritt. She spent her early years growing up in southern California, often sailing with her parents to Catalina Island. In 1957 her family moved to northern California where she learned to ice skate and joined a swim team. She graduated from Palo Alto High School excelling in foreign languages. Chris completed her college studies with a BA in Psychology from UC Davis. It was her love of travel that brought her to work in the airline industry first for United Airlines, Air California, and finally Alaska Airlines in 1979 where she discovered Juneau. Her son Jimmy was born in 1985 and she met her future husband (and partner in crime) Greg Collier in 1989. They moved to Vancouver, WA where they married and their daughter Brooke was born in 1990. The family moved to Anchorage in 1990 and finally back to Juneau in 2017. She retired from Alaska Airlines in 2005. Chris was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. Her moral compass was always set on "First do the right thing" and her honesty was a beacon you could trust. Her laugh was a pleasure to hear. Chris's family and friends meant the world to her. She loved books, movies, dance and musicals. Chris really loved kids and animals.

Chris is survived by her husband of 28 years Greg Collier, son Jimmy (Rachel Trapp) Isturis, Jr., of Juneau, daughter (and best friend) Brooke Collier of Pittsburg, PA, sister (and close confidante) Melody C. Merritt of Bandon, OR, sister-in-laws Terrie (Bert) Flamm of St. Anthony, ID, Mollie (Terry) Green of West Jordan, UT, Julie (Larry) Mohler of Cedar Fort, UT and 19 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law, nephew, and many aunts and uncles. A memorial service is planned for a later date.

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