I have known Christiane JC Murray since the early 1990s. She was always a kind-hearted, hardworking, friendly person. We worked at Fulton County Medical Examiner's office together, and every Christmas she would hand make some of the best candies and cookies for everyone there. She was old-school - dressed up for work with a classic style - matching heels and hair bows, etc. Not flashy, just respectful of her job. To that end, she took pride in doing a good job, and she had no compunction to point out any necessary corrections, not out of arrogance, but out of her drive to do what was right - for the job and for the people for whom she did her job. She was always nice to everyone, but was also honest and a straight shooter. She cared about people and animals and doing the right thing.
As a young child, in Nazi occupied France, she witnessed horrors no child or person should ever witness, yet she remained optimistic and loving. She loved to eat, especially desserts. Chris could pack away 5 desserts yet still maintain a girlish figure. She was petite, but strong and could hack conrete with a sledge-hammer. She worked hard on home projects, working off those desserts, I suppose. She was so tough. I would tell her the "JC" in her name was for Jean-Claude (van Damme). She always laughed at that.
Chris was generous and kind, but not extravagant. She was like a mother to me. When I went to NYC for med school rotations, she helped me drive up with my worldly possessions. I never asked - infact told her no. But she instisted on keeping me company on that trip. That is just how she was. Chris and I would do volunteer projects & walks back then, and she was always excited, energetic, and full of laughter, happy to help others any way she could. She had a great sense of humor. Whenever someone would ask how she was, she would say "I'm here" in her French accent. Chris you are still here with us in our hearts. Your beautiful soul will live on and greet us when it is our time. Rest in peace dear friend. I will always love you. Gail