Jan. 13, 1953 – Dec. 22, 2017

Christine Cloud passed away on Dec. 22, 2017, surrounded by morning sun coming through the trees and listening to Janis Joplin.

Chris was born to Bette and Bob Chase on Jan. 13, 1953. She grew up with her brother Robbie, who died in 1986, and her sister Sharon Hurd. She spent most of her life in Buchanan and loved visiting Chicago for its parks, museums, food, blues and art.

She loved all living things, so she became a vegetarian at 13, her house was always home to rescued animals, and she volunteered every week at Pet Refuge. PetRefuge.com

Chris knew that nature was key to one’s wellbeing and that we must all be good stewards of our environment. She loved her woods and Fernwood. FernwoodBotanical.org She supported efforts to protect wildlife and the environment.

She believed all people should be treated with kindness and compassion. During her 31 years at the post office, she made wonderful, loyal friends and loved getting to know the folks on her mail route. She sought ways to help those who are often mistreated, which included volunteering at Redbud Area Ministries food shelf every week, 708 N Redbud Trail, Buchanan.

Food and art made life worth living for Chris. Her favorites were spicy foods with lots of vegetables. She loved poetry, paintings, music, literature, dance and all forms of art that spoke to the joys and challenges of life.

Chris’ passions survive in her family and friends. Her sister, Sharon, nurtures the many animals that come into her life. Her daughter, Alice Hiniker, develops affordable communities that are healthy for people and the planet.

Chris’ family and friends also thank the team at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville for their boundless warmth and caring.

Gatherings for Chris will occur from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on her birthday, Jan. 13. Memorial service at Fernwood, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. Celebration of her life will take place from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Buchanan Legion, 403 E Front St., Buchanan.

Donations are being collected at Fernwood for a tree or bench. fernwoodbotanical.org/about/memorials-tributes.html. People may also donate in her memory to nonprofits supporting animals, the environment, people in need, public television/radio, and the arts.