Chris died in my arms, on May 9th, at home, in Butte. She was my greatest love and partner for 43 years. Chris made me laugh right up to her last breath. She was funny, witty, and smart. She was the life of the party.
Chris had a good spirit, a big heart, and a generous soul. However, she was a very humble person. She played down and never took credit for anything about herself. The obit she wrote a few years ago speaks of her humble nature:
“Born 11-21-1945 Oakland, California. Died 5-9-2024 of cancer. Married the love of my life, Glenn Brackett in 1981. Five adorable children and five even more adorable grandchildren. No services. Donations, Orphan Girl Theater.”
Chris would not want to trouble you more than that, but, sorry Chris, I feel more must be said about your remarkable important life, so here goes with me tooting your horn.
Chris’s values were the best and she was an example to me and many others in living up to them. She would rather have her tongue cut out than tell a lie. To her, honesty was the best policy. She believed kindness was most important in any relationship. Laughter was her most endearing and outstanding nature, her true self, her gift. No matter what, she could make you laugh. She had wit and humor but mixed it with lots of humility; likewise, she could laugh at herself. She was a powerful voice and advocate for the homeless, mentally ill, gay and abused. First to volunteer and last standing. A force not to reckon with. She was unafraid to confront the bully, the bigot, and prejudice wherever it reared its head. Chris was a brave and compassionate person and hilariously funny in any battle or gathering.
She was raised Catholic and wanted to be a nun and wear the habit. She would say “it was all about the uniform.” However, at the end she professed to be an atheist, but would say in jest “you know it is said that you never find an atheist in a fox hole.” Being able to contradict and laugh at herself was what we loved and remember about her most. She could bring out the best and worst in you and make you laugh and laugh at yourself. She honed and used well this character trait with 22 years as a flight attendant with Western Airlines, where she kept passengers in stitches, including me, for this is where we first met, were she captured my eye and, without realizing, my heart. A relationship developed, she asked me “marry me and fly free”, I said “yes dear I’m yours”, and 43 years of “yes dear” has come to pass. I sometimes wonder if it was the uniform that captured my heart. After she retired from Western she bought the Stardust Motel in Twin Bridges and turned it into the Stardust Country Inn. She started a summer day camp for children and an investment club and hiking club for women. She also managed Cousins Candy Store in Virginia City for Judy McCord, her dearest and best friend of 60 years.
Chris was always helping others who were suffering and also helping to make others dreams come true. It was her greatest happiness and joy. She helped to make that happen for me. She became my partner in our Sweetgrass Rod Company, a success story in itself with a world wide reputation. Thank you my dear sweet Chris for helping to make my dream come true.
Chris was devoted to her friends and family to the hilt. Always there for them no matter what. She raised 5 children and taught them to be responsible, respectful and fun to be with. They are Wade Brackett, Casper, Wyoming, April Brackett, Portland, Oregon, Megan Sears, Portland, Oregon, Stephane Brackett, Seattle, Washington and Bruce Brackett, New York City and Poconos, Pennsylvania. There are five grands, Jocelyn Christensen (Stephane’s daughter), Jack Sears, Melinie Sears, Ben Sears and Glenn Sears.
Thanks go to all the care givers at Senior Solutions and the nurses, staff, and Dr. Yates at Enhabit for taking such good care of Chris for the past year she was ill. I can’t say thank you enough.
My darling Chris, that is my best effort at tooting your horn. I can only say, in my defense, that it all came from my heart. But I can hear you in my head saying loudly “you shouldn’t have made such a fuss; you should have gone fishing instead.”
There are no services. Memorials in honor of Chris are suggested to Orphan Girl Theatre by visiting https://www.orphangirl.org/
Please visit below to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Chris.
Bruce Brackett says
This world is simply not the same with you not in it Mom. There are too many memories to fit into this box so I will just let you know that they are all wonderful and I will cherish them forever. You made out to be one heck of a woman and a brilliant mother. Thank you for providing me with the love, wisdom, kindness and compassion that I have today. I am who I am because of you. My heart is broken without you. I love you.
Sylvia Nollet says
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Such wonderful souls are not to be found often, my thoughts are with you and your family. I wish you much love. Sylvia from the Netherlands
Lishia Rolbiecki says
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Chris sounded like a beautiful soul and it’s doubly sad when this earthly plane loses that, but her energy persists and I hope you carry that with you. I lost both my parents last year within a month of each other and so I understand that grief. My heart and much love goes out to you and Bruce during this difficult time. Lishia from California.
Cynthia uaisele says
Bruce you’re doing a good job in coping . I’m so proud of you. I do know what you’re going through. I home hospice my mother and then later my father.It is so difficult to but I would not change a thing. Taking care of them in their hour of need is a beautiful gift I could give them. Take one day at a time sweetheart, some will be harder te are my inspiration others but you will get through it you because of your mom you’re a wonderful man
Bruce You n….Cynthia Uaisele
Deb and Roy Morris says
Glenn, we’re so sorry for the loss of your Chris. Her sweet voice upon answering the phone…. “Sweetgrass Rods” will be forever in our memories. She’ll be forever in our hearts.
Deb and Roy
Debra McNeill says
I cherish all my memories with Christine. She was incredibly insightful, fearlessly forthright, graciously generous and so damn funny. She will always have a place in my heart and be a source of inspiration.
Kelly Denton says
I didn’t know Christine personally but everything that her son Bruce has shared with his fans, she sounds so wonderful & fun to be around. The picture you shared shows how beautiful she was. My prayers are with you & your family. Take care of yourself.
Melanie Goertz says
Such wonderful words you said. I’m incredibly sorry for your loss but I am absolutely sure, she will be with you through every memory 🤍
I’ve never met her but she truly must’ve been such an angel and touched so many peoples heart.
Sending lots of love and strength from Germany to your whole family 🤍
Shannon Pinkard says
Bruce you and your mom are amazing she is watching over you from heaven …I’m praying you get comfort ..I’m sorry for the loss of your mom ….peace to you and your family ❤️ you are so sweet and loving …God bless you ..
Rosanne says
I did not this beautiful lady, but I have followed her son on Instagram for quite a while. What a beautiful soul she raised and honestly her proposal made me cry. What a beautiful heart, she shared with her hubby and her kids. Much love
Lena says
I follow you on Instagram and wanted to share my heartfelt condolences to you, Bruce and your family. You mom seemed like such a bright light, a rockstar!! Hugs to all of you during this time.
Shylo Harrold says
I am so sorry for your loss. While I may not be some one you all know I am familiar with Bruce. I am reading his book now and I just want to thank you for loving this sweet boy and his sisters and your son too. Christine you will live on forever in the memories and hearts of all those you touched in your life and from what I know about from the book that was many people. Thank you for being an amazing human I wish I could have known you I think we would have gotten along well.
Lindsey D. says
What a beautiful woman! Thank you for making a fuss. Reading the love shared by your family is such a gift. Sending love, from another griever.
Karen says
I deeply sympathize with you for the loss of your mother. She has nurtured an exceptional individual. Observing her photographs evokes a sense of her remarkable energy. ❤️
When my mother passed away in 2017, a companion shared with me the comforting words, “this is not farewell, but rather, until we meet again.”
May you discover your mother’s spirit in every endeavor you undertake!
Stephanie says
I’m so sorry for you loss, what a beautiful human being!
Debra Manton says
I am sorry for your loss , Christine sounded like one heck of a woman xxxxx
Irina Garner says
You raised a beautiful family. Thank you for showing such compassion in your lives.
Mayra says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mothers should be eternal, although in reality they will always be eternal in our hearts. I send you a big and warm hug from Spain with all my love, Mayra
Tom Bowler and Mom, Betty says
Glenn,
For Mom and myself, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Christine. My interactions with Christine were significantly fewer and briefer than so many others who felt the inspiring energy that she exuded — but I guess that provides the evidence for just how enduring her influence was. an indelible positive spirit remains and continues to reverberate for me from those too fleeting meetings. A potent potion and tremendous loss to all. As I read of the depth and breadth of Christine’s exuberance in life, from my few brushes, I felt her to be a tempering, steeling influence. For Glenn, always strikes me as having a decided Quixotic tendency. Wondrous to discover the details of that enigma of steel in spark plug form that completed the team.
Mary Means says
I am so sorry for your loss! Chris sounds like she was one of the good ones!! You’re all in my thoughts and prayers!!
Yasmin Dibe says
Bruce. Hope you are shining through this and everything else. I love you and your positivity is contagious. I believe in you tooo. And I know you’ve believed in me listening to you encourage me. Thank you ☺️ hun
I love you
Yesmeena Tina. 💋🫂😻❤️❤️🍀🍀💵💵💰💰🥳☀️🤑🧙👋🏽💋💋💋💋💋💋🤞🏽
Gina Prinzavalli says
I didn’t know Chris, but I have followed her son on Instagram for a year and he has been a source of light and inspiration. He speaks so beautifully of his mother And her spirit lives on in him.
My deepest condolences to your family.
Gina in St. Louis
Sharon P. says
What a remarkable woman and humanitarian. I have never met Miss Chris but I am inspired. Inspired to be better..to do better. My love and prayers to her family. Thank you, Bruce, for sharing this loving tribute to your mom.
Doreen M Peloquin says
This was a beautiful obit. You should be so proud to have raised Bruce to be a great inspiration to others.
Claudia Cecilia Arbelvide says
I am so deeply sorry for your lost.
Excuse me please. I’m not a member of your family, and my English isn’t good. But I admire you and I know that your mum is who help you to become the wonderful person you are.
I’m Claudia, from Argentina, and I must say that I would like to know you some day. And talk about this maravellous woman she was.
I followed clase the process till she passed away, I felt very clase, and I’d like to thank both for help me in my sad days.
Love you!! And I hope receive you in my wonderfull country!! Argentina. 💗
Valerie Casselman Dupont says
Hello, I’m from Aylmer, Québec , Canada
I don’t have much money but I really wanted to offer you my condolences… to you, your Dad and honor the sweet Lady that now is a bright Star in the sky. You are an inspiration, I now know it’s hard. You are strong, I believe in you as much as you believe in us/me by ricochet 😅. Bon courage! You got this. She will always be by your side. Xox
D R G says
I am so sorry for your loss Bruce and family. Our mothers are special angels while we have them on earth however when they are gone they will always be our guiding light.
RIP beautiful lady Chris. 💜 You raised such a beautiful person in Bruce and your family will miss you.
Gone from your sight but never from your heart or memories .
🕊️🥀🕊️🥀
🇦🇺
Sophie Dainty says
Sending love and prayers to you all may her love and light shine throughout the world and give you signs that she will always be with you much love sophie from wales 🏴❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Jessica says
I send you lots of love from Italy. I am sure that your beloved Christine will continue to watch over each of you, to love you and to guide you and whenever you need her, she will be at your side. ❤️❤️❤️
Lara A Picard says
God Bless Bruce and Family…May the wind rustle your soul today…Rest Easy and my sincerest condolences
Elise Palazzo Crapser says
Condolences to Bruce & his family 🙏
Christine sounded like a wonderful person, and is an example of how we all should live our lives.
Thank you for sharing the stories about her.
trella dubetz says
The immense love that is folded into your honoring and dedication are so palpable….I could feel Chris’s warmth, wit, and charm, as well as her humble steadfastness.
I’m so sorry that your Earthly time toget has come to a close…but my hope is that the sweet threads that connect you all will weave moments when you feel Chris’s presence with you.
Sending so much care from Lancaster, PA as you grieve~ ❤️🩹
Sally - Anne Monaghan says
Sending you all love and strength. Chris looks like a lovely lady with a loving family, you are all blessed to have had her in your lives, and still have her in your hearts. Best Wishes from Liverpool UK 💕
Judy McCord says
My absolute best friend for 60 years! I just cannot believe she is gone. I can’t even begin to describe all the ways she made my life better. We started out as young, carefree flight attendants and ended up still best friends sharing our old age woes. She was the fearless one, always encouraging me to be more brave. She was extremely loyal and always showed up for me for every sad and happy occasion in my life. She was incredibly wise and I always knew her advice was right on. And I went to her for advice for the whole 60 years…..relationship advice, home design and clothing advice and everything in between. I, too, with everyone else laughed constantly with her. She was FUN!! I feel so very fortunate to have had a close friend as Christine almost all my life. I love you, Christine.
Rex J Bonnell says
Dear Christine,
I understand that you have left this temporal brief existence here that
we call Life, but I think one’s essence continues on somehow. I envision
that to be a tiny amount of invisible mass, something free and clear of
any human limitations. I can imagine yours peacefully floating along the
Madison River as it ventures to the Missouri River Headwaters, or perhaps
calmly overlooking Hidden Lake from the top of Logan Pass. But, most
likely, you’d be close to home, perhaps biding your time on the Butte “M”
hill behind your house, simple waiting until the essence of your Most Loved
One will join you for eternity.
I picture you as a sleek and classy ship that glides through the calm sea,
leaving a dazzling display of bioluminescence in your wake as you brighten
the dark night with your brilliance. As Paul Simon wrote, “Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by, Your time has come to shine.”
I will miss our political sparring sessions, and I know you knew you were loved.
And I want to thank you for being such a friend and soulmate to my dear Judy.
Rex
Lee Driscoll says
Dear Glenn and Family,
We were so saddened to read of Christine. I remember her as being quite a character, especially the times our paths crossed in Virginia City. She was so kind to our daughter Callan when she worked at the candy store. I loved seeing Chris there and visiting with her over the years.
Kind thoughts go out to you and your family. Your tribute to her was beautiful. She will be missed by so many and remembered for all that she was to so many and especially to you and your family.
Lee and Mike Driscoll
Patricia Bradley says
Glenn’s beautiful and fervent tribute to the love of his life, Christine, gives way for so many of us who shared the
pleasure of her company to also smile and tell of the fun of knowing her. Over the 30+ years, memories of Chris as an ambassador of Glenn’s Rod companies, entrepreneur of the Womens’ Investment Club, business woman of Cousins Candy Store and Sweetgrass Rods, raconteur, wise commentator and comedian all in one (as with
her lively pairing with Linda), the survivor of the terrible Butte hill winter accident and her brave Senior saviors,
patron of our small town, but most importantly, her shared parenting with Glenn their five kids, offering passage and a life of lively lessons and direction. I am so very glad to have known Chris and will keep her memory close.
Sending carng thoughts to her family.
Jeffrey A Watson says
The absence of her smile in this world is truly sad. I learned so much from Chris. Her intelligence, perceptiveness and desire to make things better was remarkable. I can pleasantly recall a variety of occasions where she said to me “now Jeff, you know that is not going to work.”. And she was always right. She was the Professor to this student. Thank you Chris for being such a wonderful member of my world.
Glenn, I know through many opportunities to observe you and Christine that you passionately Loved your partner. When I saw the obituary, I was overwhelmed with sadness, 1st and foremost for you and your beautiful children and grandchildren. I know that it has been to long since we last had the opportunity to see each other and talk. I hope we have an opportunity soon to share a smile and a hug.
Condolences to you and the kids!
Jeffrey Watson
Randi K Harper says
Glenn – Nothing really prepares us. Sending peace and strength and love, Randi
Wirt Winebrenner says
Dear Glenn, I am so terribly sorry to hear about your loss. Having lost my own wife to cancer about a year ago, I can well feel your grief. Although I never met Chris, I spoke briefly with her when I called some years ago about the wonderful 7ft 9 inch rod you were finishing for me. Someone above referred to her “sweet voice.” That and her phone manner were certainly assets to the company. She will be missed for so much. Deepest condolences to you and the family.
Wirt Winebrenner
April says
Mom, you and Dad are my heroes. You saved us children and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. As children you made us make posters about kindness generosity and encouragement, I really didn’t like making those, but they are words I live by today thanks to you. You gave us a safe happy and stable environment to grow in. You made this very serious young child come out of her shell, and boy it wasn’t easy. Raising us was a very difficult job but one you did well and with grace. I’m going to miss you so much, and it’s hard to believe you’re not in this world anymore. I love you so much, and I see and truly appreciate everything you did for us. Rest in peace and know that we think of you all of the time.
Lew D Boyko says
Dear Glenn and Family,
Glenn, I am so sorry for the loss of your Chris.
God Bless you and your Family
Pam Deas says
Chris was so much fun to fly with, we laughed a lot. So sorry to hear of her passing.