Christina Laurie

“Christina was a multitalented and spirited woman. She was a published writer, avid skier, swimmer, and, above all, a radiant light in the lives of those who knew her.” These words from members of the Cape Cod Branch describe Christina Gummere Laurie, 80, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, who died August 24, 2022.

Poet, preacher, and author, Christina won many poetry prizes after her first haiku was published in 1976. She was a member of numerous poetry associations and SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). She was a United Methodist minister for 12 years and performed chaplaincy work for hospice as well.

After attending Bancroft School and Hartwick College, she worked as a newspaper reporter for various papers in Worcester, Boston, Quincy, and Waltham. She married David W. Laurie in 1967. They were married for 26 years and had three children.

At the age of 46, she attended Boston University School of Theology, receiving her Master of Divinity in 1998 and being ordained a deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1999. She served the church for a decade as assistant pastor in Hartford, Stafford Springs, and Meriden, Connecticut, before being appointed to her own church in Glastonbury. She also served in Rhode Island for two years before becoming a hospice chaplain in Pawtucket, an assignment that she loved.

She published two children’s books, “C is for Cape Cod” and “The Lobsters’ Night Before Christmas”; as well as three poetry books, “Season Rising,” “Song of the Dancer” and, most recently, “Purr Poems: Kittens and Cats.”

Christina was particularly dedicated to the National League of American Pen Women, Inc., which she joined in 1965. She served twice as president of both the Wellesley and Cape Cod branches. She was Massachusetts state president and served on the national board for 12 years, serving as chaplain. She was elected first vice president for the 2014-16 term of office.

During her 57 years as a Pen Woman, Laurie set an example and served as a mentor to many, many members of the League. All who knew her benefited from her instruction and her service and considered themselves fortunate to have been apart of her life.

She will be missed in so many ways, but what she taught us will carry on in our loving memory of her.

—Submitted by Linda Ohlson Graham