Christie "Chris" Ann Brown-Treml

Born on August 25, 1971, in Great Neck, Long Island, NY. Christie was the cherished first child of Roger and Mary Brown of New Bern, North Carolina. As the eldest sibling, Christie was a nurturing and steady presence in the lives of her family. She is survived by her sister Stacie, brother-in-law Robert, and niece and nephews Brynn, Charlie, and Spencer Duffy of Potomac, Maryland; her brother Kevin, sister-in-law Jacinda, and nephew and niece Merit and Diem Brown of Denver, Colorado; and her brother Justin, sister-in-law Stacy, and niece and nephew Fiona and Dylan Brown of Carlsbad, California.

Christie was the first baby born in 22 years, on the Brown side of the family. She brought great joy and held a special place in the hearts of her extended family and was the center of attention at family gatherings. At the age of 3, the family moved to Erlanger, Kentucky, for her father’s new job. While living there, Chris welcomed two siblings, her sister, Stacie, and her brother Kevin, into the family. At the age of 8, the family was transferred to Farmington Hills, Michigan, where her brother, Justin, completed the family.

When she was eleven, the Brown family settled in Hartland, Wisconsin—a place Chris would hold dear for the rest of her life. She embraced Wisconsin winters, proudly rooted for the Green Bay Packers, and formed many of her closest friendships. At Arrowhead High School, she played the clarinet in the marching band, thriving on the energy of pep rallies and halftime shows, and cherished an unforgettable Disney Cruise to the Bahamas with fellow bandmates for a performance in Nassau.

From a young age, Chris felt a deep calling to care for others, a gift that would shape her life’s work. After earning her driver’s license, she began volunteering at a senior living facility, where her natural ability to connect with the elderly was quickly recognized. Encouraged by staff, she became a certified CNA and began working part-time, planting the seed for what would become her lifelong vocation.

Chris went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a concentration in Gerontology from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. She dedicated her career to supporting the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with special needs. In 2022, she took on the role of an independent contractor, working as a Care Coordinator and Patient Advocate for those requiring comprehensive care. Throughout her career, Chris brought dignity, compassion, and a deep sense of connection to every life she touched—first in Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, and later in Wilson and Durham, North Carolina. Her tireless commitment made a lasting impact on countless individuals and families.

Chris cherished life's simple joys—sharing laughter and quality time with her beloved family and enjoying the bond of friendship. Whether she watched movies with family, friends, or clients, she found camaraderie and happiness in sharing those moments. She especially loved Disney films and often gifted them to her young nieces and nephews at Christmas.

She had a deep love for animals—pandas held a special place in her heart—but she adored every dog she met. Whenever she adopted a new pet, it was usually an older dog whose soulful, sorrowful eyes drew her in and quickly became her devoted companion.

Chris’s absence leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her—family, friends, former colleagues, and the many residents and families she served with grace and love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Elvin and Mary Brown, Leonard and Agnes Rosmann, her uncle, Barry Brown, and her cousin, Captain Scott Rice, USMC.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Bern, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 30th at 11:00 a.m.

In honor of Christie’s generous spirit, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or The Caregiver Foundation.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Christie "Chris" Ann Brown-Treml.