On Saturday February 25, 2012 Christine Andrae Faris, 67, passed away suddenly while fighting her second battle with cancer. Chris was born November 27, 1944 in Newark, NJ to Amelia and Capt. Robert Andrae. Just five weeks after birth, Capt Andrae was KIA in France. After living with her father’s parents in NJ for several months, Chris and Amelia relocated to CA to be nearer Amelia’s family. The day after Chris’s 3rd birthday, 1947, Amelia re-married a wonderful WWII vet, Bill Fales. Chris would call him Daddy for the rest of her life.
After graduation from Bethesda Chevy Chase HS, MD in 1962, Chris attended Pine Manor JC in MA for her freshman year. Following her Daddy’s reassignment to NAS Corpus Christi, Chris transferred to SWT in San Marcos. It was there that she obtained her degree and met her future husband. Chris and Bill were married on July 15, 1967 at Ft. Sam Houston, TX.
Chris taught elementary school for 25 years including long term service in Houston ISD, Georgetown ISD, Northwest ISD and Hays CISD. She touched and nurtured hundred of young lives. She loved her students and her students loved her.
Chris and Bill enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage. They were very fortunate to have traveled throughout the continental USA, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and over a dozen trips to many countries in Europe. She particularly loved the history of Europe, the south island of New Zealand, the Pacific coast, the scenery of the West and the big skies of Texas.
Chris is survived by her husband and best friend of 44 years, Bill Faris; mother Amelia Fales;brother Ralph Fales; her two sons Hunter (Melissa) and Alex and her two grandchildren Ashley and Ian. She is also survived by her beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and many special friends, especially those from her youth and the G Gs.
Chris will be remembered fondly by all that knew her. Her goal in life was to make sweet memories with everyone she met and in every place she traveled. She was a free spirit, a practical woman, a Christian, a terrific cook, a weather expert, a wonderful mother, a fanatic Longhorn football fan, a great friend, a spiffy dancer, a lover of Jim Beam, an old fashioned girl and a real hoot. She loved and enjoyed life to the fullest. Her sparkling personality, quick wit and rapid assessment of any situation will be missed by all.
It was Chris’s wish to be cremated. Her last Great Odyssey will enable her ashes to be scattered in many parts of the world. A memorial service is scheduled for March 31, 2012 at the Onion Creek Club, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
If you would care to make a donation to charity in her name, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P O Box 149100, Austin, TX 78714-9100 or the charity of your choice. If sending flowers please send to memorial service on March 31.
