Christine Louise Lamm
1948-2013
How do we start! Chris was our colleague, mentor, collaborator, friend and family. The work and passion of our beloved Chris was an integral piece of the development of what the NonViolence in the Lives of Children Project has become.
Chris always held us and our work to the highest standard as educators and practitioners. She asked us to face the difficult and “dangerous” topics and to “let them haunt us.” She was a role model for “speaking truth to power.” She taught us the fine art of true collaboration, sometimes amidst some degree of resistance. Chris masterfully and lovingly pushed us beyond our comfort zone.
We have created, studied, taught, laughed and cried together for more than 20 years. Chris shared her vast knowledge and experience graciously and with complete respect. She was not only open to big ideas (none were too big), she encouraged others to think and act big. She was always open to hear, really hear, each of us and to help us to hear each other. Chris always created a safe space that allowed us to take risks, and she asked us the hard questions to help us grow. She gathered people together making everyone feel included, both those who had been in the group for many years and the newest member.
No one will ever take her place (AND Chris would not appreciate our saying so)!
There will always be an empty chair in our circle.
In Peace,
NonViolence in the Lives of Children Project Inc.
Chris Lamm described herself as an eclectic grassroots organizer and collaborator. Her family described her as a tireless leader. She was born on January 16, 1948 to Marjorie and Melber Lamm in LaMesa California. She grew up in Monrovia, Ca. Chris died of a heart attack on June 11, 2013 in Vermont, while traveling with friends from the NonViolence in the Lives of Children Project.
Chris recently retired as a full-time faculty member from Fullerton College. She was actively involved in many organizations and in on-campus activities. Her recent list of leadership accomplishments included serving on Boards, chairing important committees, and coordinating large projects. In 1993 she established what has evolved into the Orange County Peace Camp.
Highlights from the list of organizations and projects that she actively supported are:
NVP (NonViolence in the Lives of Children Project)
The CAEYC Advocacy Center
CEASE (Concerned Educators Allied for a Safe Environment)
Fullerton Collaborative – (community collaboration)
Fullerton College: Chair of the Campus-wide Student Equity Committee, Chair of KinderCaminata, and Food Closet.
OCAEYC Board member – Diversity, Equity & Peace Committee
Our Collective Memories In Friendship and Peace
Advocate, Collaborator, Friend Family, Confidant, Storyteller and Teacher
Listener, Hearer – Encourager of ideas
Animal spotter, Brilliant grinner – passionate,
Tender – Everyone’s Friend – Respecter and Respected
No one ever said anything bad about her and she never said anything bad about anyone
She was open to big ideas – she loved to bounce them around, play with them – all things were possible – an optimist, stalwart, (student), life-long learner. She seemed to live more than the rest of us in her too-short life
Yes – She was an agitator, persistent, dedicated, tenacious – Committed to Social Justice, anti-bias, the environment, making the world a safer place for children.
She taught it, expected it, lived it
She was a role model – she walked the talk
Brought integrity and values – she was amazing
We will miss the bright light she brought into the room.