Christine Elaine Klein of Sharon, VT, passed away on Thursday, July 21, after a stoic journey with cancer.

Chris was born on February 18, 1958. She grew up in Wisconsin with her parents, older brother and two younger sisters. Her love and devotion to animals, especially her dog Prince, began in childhood and continued throughout her life. In high school she rode horses and spent countless weekends with veterinarians to gain experience for eventual entry to vet school. In 1979 she married Robert (Bob) Klein and they had their daughter, Jennifer (Jenny). In 1983 she began vet school at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with the charter class in 1987. Chris, Bob and Jenny then moved to Vermont where Chris began her career of 33 years working at Riverbend Veterinary Clinic. She was described as being in "constant motion" at work. A highly skilled, hard-working and loyal veterinarian, she maintained many close friendships with colleagues and clients by whom she was loved and respected.

Chris was one of the original board members of Union Arena Community Center, helping make the skating rink possible. She was also a founding member, in 1999, of the renowned "Zambeauties" women's hockey team. She made life-long, extraordinary friendships with her teammates. She also met Dave Phillips, her partner of 20 years, when he became the team's coach. Dave and Chris formed a symbiotic relationship that allowed each to pursue their individual interests as well as shared ones - often involving music, hiking, camping, the outdoors, food and friends.

In addition to family and friends, Chris loved her dogs, cats and horses, long-distance running, walking and dog competitions. While she loved all dogs (her crazy Pomeranian Gizmo and sweet collie Sabre, to name a few), her attention turned to Salukis in the early 2000s. Millie was followed by Valur (her "once-in-a-lifetime" dog), Yama and Betty. Chris understood the breed and was able to prove to even long-time Saluki owners that the breed was capable of enjoying performance sports. She and Valur set the breed standard in agility, with Valur achieving more national titles than any other Saluki. He was the first Saluki to obtain a Masters Agility title and the only Saluki to qualify for the agility event at Westminster. For her part, Chris was awarded the prestigious and well-deserved "2020 Friend of the Saluki Award." She was well loved and respected by the global Saluki community for her tireless advice as a vet to anyone in need.

Perhaps one of Chris's most treasured roles was bestowed upon her in 2017, when she became "Grandma Chris." She made weekly trips to MA to see Jenny, husband Sam and baby Nora. Two years later, her grandson Owen was born. Although the pandemic later halted overnight visits, Jenny and her family looked forward to weekly Facetime calls with Chris. When her health began to decline over the past few months, Jenny, Nora, Owen and Jenny's dad, Bob, made weekly visits to Vermont to spend time with her.

In addition to Jenny, Sam, Nora, Owen, Dave and Bob, Chris's inner circle of friends was her chosen and extended family. Along with family, her colleagues, the Zambeauties and her Saluki family - far too many to name but you know who you are! - had endless adventures and created hundreds of joy-filled memories throughout many years of friendship. (Zam parties and trips, ice cream Fridays, Reach the Beach and Covered Bridges road races, Montreal, dog shows, music and camping to name a few!) Her family and friends were the ultimate support system - aiding in research, finding clinical trials, joining her on trips for treatment and for miles of walking - months after her doctors predicted her life would have ended.

Chris was recently featured on Lifetime's "The Balancing Act," discussing the future of cancer treatment and the need for further clinical trials. She was articulate, frank and thoughtful in her filming. She was a determined fighter who provided support and guidance to fellow gastric cancer patients and was tireless in her pursuit of new information, participating in several trials in search of a cure for both herself AND to provide data for better treatment options for others.

Chris approached her life with modesty, determination, grit, grace and persistence. She beat odds time and again, living life on her own terms and to its fullest, right to her last days. This was simply who she was, but she was certainly supported by the love, care and incredible support of her clan.

Chris was predeceased by her mother, Elaine, and father, Fred. She is survived by Jenny, Sam, Nora, and Owen; Dave and his family; her first husband, Bob; her stepmother, Grace; brother, Paul; sisters, Leanne and Sandra; eight nieces and nephews; cats, Windy and Rodney; and her beloved dogs, Yama, Betty, and Betty's very special 3 puppies born in June of this year. Equally important are the many friends who crossed her path and lived the "good life" with her. Our job is to carry her light forward.

At Chris's request there will be no burial. If you would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider donating to: The Christine E. Klein Scholarship Fund at the University of Wisconsin Foundation. A scholarship in Chris's honor has been established to support students at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. Please make checks payable to the UW Foundation and send to the UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807 or online at https://supportuw.org/giveto/KleinScholarship .

Thank you to the employees of Bayada and the many people around the world who were part of her care team. Thank you as well, one and all, to those who called Chris friend or family. As one friend said, "Chris never tried to be nice. She just was." We will miss you dearly Chris but never forget you.