Connie Lee Christopher

Connie Lee Christopher died Aug. 18, 2025 in Portland, Ore. at OHSU, following a fall resulting in a traumatic brain injury. She was born June 6, 1948 in Colfax, Wash., and lived on a farm near Albion, Wash. until 1960, when the family moved to Palouse, Wash. Both her paternal and maternal ancestors were pioneering Oregon homesteaders. She graduated from Palouse High School, Washington State University and Portland State University, as well as completing MIT's Sloan School Senior Executive Program.

Born in an era when college-educated female role models were often nurses or teachers, Connie worked as a teacher following college before becoming a businesswoman in 1974. There she was the first female in most of the positions she held like pharmaceutical sales rep. and stockbroker. In 1977, she joined the paper division of Boise Cascade as a sales rep., transferring to New York City where she lived for 12 years. Ultimately, she was promoted to General Sales Manager at Boise Cascade. In the male-dominated paper industry, she was considered a pioneer.

Connie spent the final ten years of her working career at Multnomah County Library (Portland, Ore.) where she was part of the senior management team. Later, she served as Town Librarian in Cathlamet.

She served on the boards of several arts and social-service organizations. Connie loved domestic pursuits as well as gardening, reading, mentoring and traveling the world. She was devoted to her friends, family and cats. She was a member of the DAR . Her legacy is the family history she carefully researched and left behind for others.

Seven years ago, she met Kermit Chamberlin. They soon became life partners, enjoying a wonderful life of love, travel, arts and culture, philanthropy, awesome food (Kermit's cooking), and overall adventure of any kind. He continues to reside at their Cathlamet home.

While she excelled at so many things in life, arguably Connie's greatest title was "Auntie." Having no children herself, she set about loving her nieces and nephews and, eventually, their children. She never missed a birthday or special event with cards and envelopes that she hand made. The envelopes were mailed with a melange of vintage stamps appropriate to the occasion.

A younger sister noted, "Connie had an innate ability to identify when someone she loved was struggling. She inspired success by pointing out the individual's strengths and gave non-stop encouragement. She would dive in with every tool she had to help guide them towards their goals. She was steadfast and present when needed by her loved ones. She enjoyed greatly sharing her love of culture, art, literature, and travel, inspiring friends and family."

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Kelvin Christopher and Maureen Kerby Christopher. In addition to nine nieces and nephews and 10 grand-nieces and nephews, she is survived by her siblings Tom (Susie) Christopher, Little Elm, Texas; Chuck Christopher, Juliaetta, Idaho; Kim Christopher, Moscow, Idaho; and Carey Christopher (Rick) Howe, Moscow, Idaho. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Pioneer Community Association, PO Box 24 Cathlamet WA 98612 or Literary Arts, 925 SW Washington Street, Portland, OR 97205.