Christine Joanne (Linderman) Neir

Age 78, passed away peacefully at her home July 29th, from complications caused by a brain tumor.Chris was a wonderful woman. A loving, thoughtful, and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt; and very dear friend to many. Chris was a bright, warm, soul with a generous heart who cared deeply about family and friends. Always thinking of others, her dry wit, ready smile, and easy going nature, brought much sunshine into the lives of those she touched.Born October 18, 1929, in Inkster, Michigan to Edward and Mable (Kurtsell) Linderman, the oldest of Ed’s four children, Chris lost her mother in 1945 to tuberculosis.Chris attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Education. It was at UM she met the love of her life, Robert Neir, at the local Lutheran chapel. She married her college sweetheart in August 1951. Ready to start a new life together, the young couple moved west to the Seattle area in 1953, renting a small apartment in Madrona. After two years in town, they found themselves drawn to the charms of Kirkland, the little town across Lake Washington, where in 1955 they built their first home on Rose Hill. Chris gave birth to the first of their four boys shortly thereafter, and set about raising their family.As the boys grew and their increasing rambunctious demanded more space, Bob and Chris built again, this time in Houghton (now Kirkland), and in June 1964, moved into their current home of the last 45 years to continue raising their family. Chris was a dedicated mother and homemaker, actively engaged in her children’s education, activities and sports – ensuring her boys experienced a broad range of activities after-school and on summer days.During her sons’ younger years, their home became a local gathering place for their sons and their friends, who still speak fondly of the many nights in “Neir’s basement” playing games, listening to music, and devouring Chris’ delicious cookies.To Chris, family was always of foremost importance. She cherished Sunday dinners surrounded by her ever-growing family. A tradition she started decades ago, it served as an anchor – keeping everyone connected as their children’s lives took them in various directions and they established families of their own. Always a jovial affair, family and guests alike looked forward to the one meal every week sure to be full of good food, light-hearted ribbing and lots of laughter. Chris loved giving gifts and was forever celebrating birthdays (whether you were there or not!), graduations, special occasions, and holidays. She made Christmas a truly treasured time with her whole family gathered around the tree in the morning and at her kitchen table enjoying her fabulous turkey dinner in the afternoon.After working part time at Washington Federal Savings & Loan for 19 years, Chris retired in 1990, and, along with her husband Bob, looked forward to sharing a good laugh with friends and family. Most every day she could be found chatting with close friends and sipping her “iced-soy-no-whip-mocha” at her favorite Starbucks. Chris was a loyal fan of Mariners baseball, and would watch every game, even visiting her sister in Arizona to enjoy sunshine and Mariners’ spring training. She enjoyed reading a good Agatha Christie mystery, embarking on an occasional cruise or trip to Las Vegas, or her favorite – spoiling her seven grandchildren, of whom she was most proud.Her family and friends, touched by her unwavering love, warm heart, and generous spirit, will dearly miss her. The foundation she has built and many wonderful memories she has given us, ensures she will always be a presence in our lives.Chris is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert Neir of Kirkland; sons: David Neir (Suzanne) of Leavenworth, WA, Thomas Neir (Sally Otten) of Kirkland, WA, Paul Neir of Seattle, WA, and James Neir (Cathy) of Woodinville, WA; grandchildren: Cassandra (Neir) Andriychenko of Los Angeles, CA, Alyssa Neir of Redmond, WA, and Jeffrey Neir of Auburn, WA, Christopher and Katrina Neir of Woodinville, WA, Joseph and Robert Neir of Kirkland, WA; Sisters Susan (Costaras) and Shirley (Pietrzyk), and brother Edward (Linderman).A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 7th at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 105 State Street South, Kirkland, WA 98033, (425) 327-3077, followed by a reception. Memorials may be made in Chris’ name to Kirkland Heritage Society, 203 Market Street, Kirkland, WA, 98033, (425) 827-3446, www.kirklandheritage.org.