In Memory of Christie Lundy

For those who may not have heard, River Bluffs Audubon lost an active member last week. Christie Lundy, who attended meetings and field trips over the years, passed away on November 28 following a long struggle with cancer.

Christie was a person who appreciated birds and showed it. She had an amazing yard filled profusely with many plants that birds and butterflies like. Something was blooming at any season of the year and she greatly enjoyed the many birds that came to investigate her plants. She also had a variety of feeders that were filled for her feathered guests, including a Pileated Woodpecker.

Christie participated in chapter activities as long as her health allowed. She brought wonderful refreshments to meetings on several occasions, and was a cheerful and observant participant in field trips.

Christie’s love of nature began when she lived in Alaska while growing up. There she attended an outdoor program for kids in the summers. They took many field trips and observed nature carefully under the instruction of an enthusiastic leader. Christie had fond recollections of this idyllic time. She immensely enjoyed the years she spent in Alaska while her father worked there.

Later, as a student getting advanced degrees, she traveled to many places in Europe, where she also observed the plants, animals, and birds of each area. She particularly liked her journey through the Scandinavian countries where she visited fiords.

At work, Christie was dedicated and held in high esteem. (See an article from her work’s newletter below.)

She tried valiently to overcome her disease, and remarkably, she worked almost the entire time she was undergoing treatment. In fact, this past October she had vacation time from work that she had to use or she would lose it!

Christie was a conscientious person who took her responsibilities seriously. She was agreeable, caring, and congenial. Her pleasant and kind nature will be missed by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held sometime later.

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The following information was provided by a coworker of Christie and reprinted from a newsletter from the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of our friend and colleague, Dr. Christie Lundy. Christie lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 28. Christie was a Research Analyst with the Division of Behavioral Health for 22 years. She was an incredibly valued employee who dedicated much of her life to the mission of the Department.

Christie was generally, quiet, happy to work with numbers and data that helped to inform our policy decisions and educate the public about substance use disorders. However, she had an infectious and joyful laugh, accompanied by a sparkle in her eyes. She was passionate about the importance of data integrity and the usefulness of data done well…something that has become firmly planted as a cornerstone of quality behavioral healthcare as we advance the field. She had a talent for ‘translating’ data into meaningful information and making it understandable for the rest of us. She assisted the Department in securing federal grants over many years along with dedicating her efforts to assuring out continuing receipt of the SAPT and CMS Block Grants. Without these funds, countless individual would have gone without needed services and many would have died. The importance of her contributions to the Division and the Department cannot be adequately described. Christie was kind and brilliant and talented and dedicated. And she will be sorely missed.