Chris was part of an influx of new students in 1969 in our suburban Philadelphia town - when dads got promoted and families moved cross country often. She was a neighbor, a friend, a hoot, and part of a clan of the newcomers that bonded quickly and held fast through high school graduation.  I have been looking on the internet for years to reconnect , but never did. Saw her 20 years ago at our high school reunion and once heard of her phenomenal career contributions from a friend. What a tribute to life, learning, contributing, family and love. To Ann Miles, my sincerest condolences and hugs. Someday I hope we can sit down and I can hear the stories of her later years.  She made an impact on all of us when in school, and by the pictures, continued with your family. You are a lucky family.

So very sad to lose touch with special people in your life. Chris was a dear friend thru' high school & a bridesmaid in my wedding. The world has lost a kind soul. 
Kim Wagner Lee 


I was extremely saddened to learn of Chris' passing. I wish I could have been there at the recent memorial service but I had other prior commitments. I worked in Polar Programs at NSF from 1990-2016 and I had many opportunities to interact with Chris when she worked with the Polar Research Board (PRB).   I wish I had taken more time to get to know her outside of work and I wish she were still here so I could tell her how much I admired her. I do recall her coming to the Cosmos Club one time when I was giving a talk and I really appreciated her showing up after a long day of work. She is greatly missed by all who knew her.  A donation to WAMU-FM will be made in her memory. I hope her family knows how much she was respected and loved by all who knew her.

I am so sorry to learn of Chris's passing.  I always appreciated her competence, commitment, and thoughtfulness. Although it has been awhile since we last interacted, I feel a profound sense of loss.  She was one of those people who gently and effectively made me think about important matters, and is a very positive memory from my times in Washington. My heart goes out to all of her loved ones.    

I am so saddened to learn of Chris' passing. I remember Chris as such a kind-hearted, caring, and good person, who knew so much about science and society. My deepest condolences to Chris' family and friends.

It will be some time before I can accept the world without Chris' physical presence, but I am able to feel gratitude for the years we had as family. The way Chris lived taught so many important lessons...how to be oneself without pretense, how to build a strong marriage, and how to balance meaningful work and relaxation and play. Randy, our kids, and I miss Chris so much already; Max feels sad to be heading into a summer without Grammy camp. We are thankful for the amazing network of neighbors, friends, and family who are surrounding Mom during this time, a clear reflection of the love and support both Chris and Mom have offered to others.  Randy and I are spending time, as we like to do, taking walks, hikes, and kayaks - being in the wilder places that Chris loved - finding some small solace in the words of Emerson: In Nature, a wild delight runs through man, in spite of real sorrows. (photo r to l, Chris, Ann, Jen, Jul, Dave, snorkeling and sailing the Whitsunday Islands, Australia)

It is with great sadness that I learned of Chris’ passing.  I was a member of the Polar Research Board for many years.  Chris was very helpful to me as the U.S. representative to the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).  In particular, she provided wise insight while I was President of IASC and while planning our Nation’s participation in the most recent International Polar Year.  I shall not forget my time of service to the Board; all thanks to Chris leadership.
She will be missed.   May she rest in peace
Patrick J. Webber
Professor Emeritus of Plant Biology
Michigan State University  


As a member of IOM and an Antarctic researcher I worked with Chris and others at the NAS to develop a plan and write a report for NSF on the next 10-20 years of Antarctic research- We travelled together with our committee to McMurdo and South Pole. A brilliant editor, thoughtful companion and skillful reporter of positive and negative findings, Chris was  invaluable to the process. She was a delight to work with on the Polar board. I send my deepest condolences to her family, Warren Zapol MD

We will cherish all of the great memories we have of Grammy Chris. She always took the time to read to Ryann and Evan. And never turned down an opportunity to go to the park or get down on the floor and play. 
 She sent the best presents, just fun enough that no one ever really knew that they were really educational. 
Grammy Chris always took the time to teach the kids about science and nature. She made both topics seem so accessible to even the youngest of the kids. 

Sweet memories of Grammy Chris: Her patience with the grandchildren  is legendary, she made the “best chicken nuggets”, she was up for any game, taught them to cross country ski and fish and she always made nature and science  interesting.  We miss her dearly 💜💜

I greatly valued the opportunities that I had to interact with, and work with, Chris at the National Academies, and especially the Polar Research Board.  She was a wonderful leader and guide to often knotty policy issues.   I send sincere condolences to her family. 
Louis J. Lanzerotti
New Vernon, NJ 

Gale and I are so saddened by the loss of Chris. She was such a vibrant and active individual it's hard to accept that she has passed away already. She was an overachiever and the catalyst for many things. Our deepest condolences to Ann and everyone who were a part of Chris's life.

OBITUARY

Chris Elfring

14 August, 1955 – 7 June, 2018

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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