In Memoriam: Christine Craig Once you’ve met Chris, you could not forget her. I am grateful that I got to know her as a friend, to work with her on 21st Century Science magazine, and to benefit from her many talents. She was the most independent woman I ever knew, and the most forthright. She told the truth, a commodity in short supply in politics and life in general. Chris was very smart. She had an advanced degree in biology from the University of Washington in St. Louis, knew the subject inside out, and could critically evaluate difficult scientific material and explain it. She had a low tolerance for scientific b.s. If she didn't know a particular scientific subject or issue, she worked to figure it out before offering an opinion. She was never one to accept the politically correct view on anything. Chris loved geometry and was a master builder of beautiful geometric models. She had the concentration to puzzle over a geometric problem until she solved it. Multi-talented, Chris could translate French scientific documents expertly. She also built her own house in Colorado, a feat requiring multiple skills and patience. She had worked in nuclear environmental monitoring, and was also a trained nurse's assistant, and an experienced house painter.. I'm sure she had many other talents. It seemed that whenever I thought I knew all about Chris's talents, she would come up with a new surprising skill. I think Chris was also the tallest woman I knew, and the most fit. She biked, hiked, and exercised for fun. She carefully (and scientifically) watched her diet. Thus the news of her advanced cancer at a young age seemed especially cruel. But Chris was also the most fearless woman I knew. Who else, having undergone a difficult surgery, would have had the guts to bike cross country alone? Chris faced her cancer fearlessly and with grace, and fought it as best as could be done. Even in her last days, her voice and determination were strong. She wanted to make sure she had done everything to stay alive, even if just for days more. Chris made her mark on me and on many others. She will be missed. May her memory be as a blessing! (Zikhronah livrakha )הכרוז הנורכיז
************ Marje Hecht July 1, 2016