Chris Runcie’s life was full of wonder, delight, learning, and so much love. She was a founder of the Four Winds Nature Institute and a lead author of our Nearby Nature curriculum. Through her writing and teaching, Chris engaged thousands of children and adults in outdoor natural science exploration. Her playful, creative, joyful way of being shines through in each Nearby Nature puppet show, and those scores of characters – with their clever, silly puns – are pure Chris gold. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother; a dear friend and colleague; and a treasured teacher in communities across Vermont and into New York.
Maria Christina Runcie, always known as Chris, passed away at her home in Starksboro, VT on March 31, 2025. She will be very deeply missed.
Details about Chris’ life and memorial can be found at memorialsource.com/memorial/maria-christina-runcie.
