Christine “Chris” Stark-Christopherson, of Posen, Mich., passed away June 10, 2014. In our minds’ eye, we can see Chris once again on her daily run down Leer Road, taking the hills with ease and exuberance, and we can see her nimble fingers caressing her violin as soaring melodies fill the air. Nearly eight years ago, a brain aneurysm stole those skills, but her persistent will did not abandon her. In the following years, with her ever-faithful husband, Jon, always at her side, she struggled to walk, do laundry, cook, and take care of her own needs, never completely succumbing to being “disabled.” As her body became less and less cooperative, she kept exploring what she still might be able to do; she became a whiz at the Alpena News crosswords and Jumbles. She was an avid reader of John Grisham on her Nook, and even went for a couple of rides on Jon’s Harley. Chris joined the local quilt guild and with trembling hands made quilts for sons and charities.

Chris is survived by her husband, Jon and her sons, Sean and Jesse. Just two weeks ago, Chris spent time with Jesse, Sean, and fiancee, Julianne, at Touch of Country Care Home playing Trivial pursuit, showing her sons she was still a force to be dealt with. Others grieving the loss of Chris are her parents, Henry and Lois Stark, her sister, Valerie Hinz and family, her brother, Dan Stark and his family, and sisters in-law, Anne Potter and Linda Pletcher and their families.