Cristen Douglass

Cristen Douglass of West Des Moines passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa. Born on December 1, 1949, Cris was the beloved daughter of Gerald and Mary Jane (née Neville) Chinn.

Cris grew up in Des Moines and cultivated a lifelong passion for classical piano and literature. She was always grateful for the year she spent as a teenager at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan studying piano, especially for the inspiring friends she made there. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Denver, she earned her Master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the Philadelphia Music Academy. She often spoke of the excitement of watching rehearsals with famous conductors and the joy of conducting as a student.

When she graduated, she realized that she needed a viable profession, and so she followed in the footsteps of her father whom she admired deeply; she enrolled in Gonzaga University School of Law where she resolved never to go to sleep without understanding every concept she had learned that day. Cris was valedictorian of her law school class. What mattered most to her, however, was that her older brother Brad joined the class behind her at Gonzaga after returning from service in Vietnam. Over the next two years, they shared textbooks, classes, and exhilarating hikes in the Sawtooth mountains and the Boundary Waters.

As a public defender, first in Seattle and then for 10 years in Des Moines, Cris was dedicated to serving people in need. One attorney-friend described her as a highly respected attorney, who was brilliant, kind, and thoughtful with a wicked sense of humor. In later years Cris served in the Iowa Department of Justice as an assistant attorney general in the consumer protection division, the administrative law division, and criminal appeals. She never lost her commitment to compassionate justice. After retiring, Cris volunteered at Iowa Legal Aid and Iowa Justice for Our Neighbors.

Cris married Richard Douglass on June 10, 2000 in Des Moines. They shared 24 years of love, companionship and devotion. Together they cherished reading to each other works ranging from Paradise Lost to Tristram Shandy; they enjoyed playing piano duets, and sharing performances with other members of the Bob Lein Society.

During these years Cris met several serious medical challenges with remarkable tenacity and resilience, again with the support of caring friends. A person of profound empathy, Cris lived her Buddhist principles in valuing all living beings. The Des Moines Zen Center was her spiritual home for decades. She adored animals, especially her cats who were a constant source of comfort. In dealing with her medical challenges, Cris developed a passion for walking; she and Richard completed a marathon in Bar Harbor, Maine and several half-marathons in various cities over their years together.

Her friends recall her being a terrific cook; years ago her chocolate fudge recipe won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair, and every Christmas Cris delivered batches of treasured fudge to friends and colleagues.

Finally, Cris never wanted gifts from Richard on holidays or anniversaries. Her only wish was that Richard, who did not write poetry, would write a poem for her on each occasion. And, with gratitude, he did. In her final weeks, as her memory faded and she could no longer read or play the piano, Cris was still able to watch parts of her favorite Shakespeare plays.

Cris was blessed to spend the last 10 days of her life in the loving care of Kavanagh House where she had been a volunteer 30 years before. She had always spoken appreciatively of her service there. During these final days, the nurses were confident that Cris could still hear us, and so friends and family came singly and together to share with Cris their memories, meditations, prayers and comforting presence.

Cris is survived by her husband Richard Douglass, her brother Brad Chinn, her aunt Shirley Rowenhorst, her cousin Judy Dillinger, and her uncle and aunt, Dan and Marilyn Neville as well as Richard’s sons, spouses and grandchildren: Luke and Amy Douglass, Lily and Tessa, and Drew and Alexis Douglass, Kali, Ethan, and Jordan. She is preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Mary Jane Chinn.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Broadlawns Memory Care Center for their dedication to Cris’ care as well as to the compassionate staff at Lutheran Hospital and Kavanagh House.

A celebration of Cris’ life will be held for family and friends in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Animal Lifeline of Iowa, the Des Moines Zen Center, or Kavanagh House.