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Christine Margaret Soderstrom

1969 - 2024

Christine Margaret Soderstrom obituary, 1969-2024, Washington, DC

Christine Soderstrom Obituary

Christine Margaret Soderstrom died with her parents by her side on January 19, 2024, in Washington, DC, at the age of 54.
Chris was born in New York City on June 6, 1969, and at an early age moved to Baltimore, MD. She made many friends in the Roland Park neighborhood, became a crab-cracking expert and frequently visited the Maryland seashore.
In high school, Chris completed an Outward Bound program where she found her passion and life's work in nature. After graduating from the St. Paul's School for Girls in 1987, she moved west. At the University of Colorado, Boulder, she earned a BA in Environmental Studies.
After her junior year, Chris drove her pick-up truck to Alaska, and worked in a salmon cannery to earn money for more travel. After graduation, Chris stayed in the Rockies and surveyed birds for conservation in Wyoming and taught children how to ski in Idaho.
Chris launched her professional career in Washington, DC, earning her Master's of Science in International Environmental Policy from American University in 1998. Over the next two decades, she plied the halls of Congress as a strategist and lobbyist, working to protect the Arctic National Refuge and ensuring that her beloved Tongass National Forest in Alaska earned legislative protection from logging. She was especially passionate about the state's wild salmon, advocating to protect their ecosystems along the Pacific Rim. At the time of her death, she worked for The Boat Company, a not-for-profit organization preserving land and seascapes in southeastern Alaska.
While growing up in the suburbs, Chris was innately fearless outdoors, knowing that she belonged there. She would sleep in a forest, plunge into a dark river and swim under a waterfall without the slightest of hesitation.
Being sharp and funny, she may have at times nursed a desire to be a stand-up comic, a career at which her friends and family attest she would have succeeded. Chris had charisma, boundless energy and a big smile consisting of genuine joy.
Taking after her mother, Chris quietly helped the less fortunate, often handing out socks and warm clothes to people experiencing homelessness. She also worked with veterans. As a volunteer, Chris worked for John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. In 2019, Chris joined Jane Fonda and thousands of climate activists for Fire Drill Fridays on Capitol Hill, demanding action for a cleaner, greener and more just world.
She loved animals—once hiking two days out of her way to save a lost, starving hunting dog she found in the mountains, Chris was especially devoted to her rescue animals including her cats, Violet and Lionel, and her sweet dog Wrigley.
Loving adventure, Chris spent a year after college traveling extensively. She taught English in China, backpacked in southeast Asia, and worked on an organic farm in New Zealand. Fortuitous things came Chris's way, as her lively personality drew people to her. She probably holds a record for getting into Grateful Dead concerts on a "miracle".
Chris made friends with anyone, from an usher at a Washington Capitals game to members of Congress. The Hammond Wood neighborhood in North Kensington, Maryland, where she lived for her last 13 years, will never be the same. Chris commanded the "Margarita Wagon" and hosted epic Halloween parties, where non-costumed attendees were required to wear fake mustaches or wigs from her impressive collection.
Chris leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love for the natural world that she worked so effectively to protect.
Chris was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Margaret and Thomas Dillon, Sr; her paternal grandparents, Sylvia and Carl Soderstrom; and her favorite uncle, Thomas (Doc) Dillon, Jr. She is survived by her parents, Margaret Theresa Soderstrom, PhD and Carl Armas Soderstrom, MD; her aunt and uncles, Elizabeth Dillon-Marable, PhD, Michael Marable, and William Black; her cousins Kelly Black Russell, Nicole Black Dennard, Pamela Dillon, second and third cousins, and a wide circle of loving friends who mourn and celebrate many good memories of her.
A memorial service and reception will be held on June 6, 2024 at 11 a.m., at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore, MD. Parking and access to the cathedral is at 3601 North Charles St. Memorial contributions in Chris' name may be made to: Salmon State https://salmonstate.org/donate.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Hilary

June 5, 2024

Many sweet memories of my friend Chris when we were classmates at SPSFG. I have several pictures of us hugging and remember her kindness and laughter. Those were special times and wonderful memories. The world was better because she was here. May her spirit live on in all that knew and loved her.

Kate Lears

May 3, 2024

Peggy, my deepest condolences to you, your family, your friends and Chris´s friends. Her obituary is a wonderful legacy for all. She must have learned a lot from you, because you both are caretakers of other people. I remember a day soon after my brother died and just before my father died. We were in an Admissions Committee meeting and my phone rang. I was going to let it go to voicemail, but you encouraged me to answer it. It may not sound like much, but your words were a precious gift to me and I have never forgotten them. Your daughter sounds like she was a chip off the old block. How proud you must be and how sad you must be. Keep the good memories in the front of your mind. Love, Kate

CARL SODERSTROM

April 9, 2024

Chris is one the most amazing people. She was so kind to her friends and family, particulary to the homeless and down trodden. Each Christmas she took all the coins she had saveed in a jar and pick out a random stranger and she/him the money. Kindness and mercy were integrated into her all the days of life. God bless you MY DAUGHTER

Cindy Hutson

April 5, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss

Hannah Frost

March 24, 2024

A beautiful person, a gifted activist, a loving friend. I miss laughing with you so much, Chris! You made everything more fun. My heart goes out to Carl, Peggy, and all your family, neighbors, and friends. Sharing in our collective, painful loss.

L&J

March 24, 2024

Oh Chris, how we´ll miss that joyful smile, that energy you created when you´d bounce into our cul-de-sac to greet us, make our day just a little sweeter! Lois& Jerry

Carrie LeBow

March 24, 2024

My condolences and deepest sympathies to Carl and Peggy and the family. Being friends with Chris since we were 15 has been a highlight of my life. We experienced everything together and had a lifetime of fun. She was always there when I needed her and made me laugh harder than anyone. I miss her.
-Carrie LeBow

Chin Velasquez

March 24, 2024

Sending love to Carl, Peggy and her extended family, with prayers for peace, comfort and healing. Miss and love you, Chris!

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Memorial service

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Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation

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