Fort Fairfield, Maine - Christine L. Standefer, 72, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at her Fort Fairfield home. She was born April 28, 1953, in Casper, Wyoming, the daughter of Howard J. and Alta G. (Miller) Standefer.

She grew up in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, where she enjoyed hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports of all kinds. At Ten Sleep High School, she was involved in sports, yearbook, newspaper, the speech team, and graduated in 1971. Chris earned herbBachelor's degree in rhetoric/theater and physical education from Moorhead University in 1976, her Master of Science degree in education from North Dakota State University in 1978, and her PHD from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign in 1992. After teaching and coaching in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois, Chris moved to Maine in 1992 and began teaching at the University of Maine, Presque Isle, where she remained a professor until her retirement. While at UMPI, she was department chair of the Physical Education Department. She was recognized for her outstanding service to the University Senate's Planning and Budgeting Committee, among other things. A lifelong supporter of higher education, she never stopped learning, teaching, coaching, and advocating for her students. This was evident in several awards that she collected throughout her years of teaching. Some of these highlights include Who's Who among America's Teachers in 2004, and two awards given to her by the Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, a recognition of dedicated service to teacher preparation programs in 2002, and the Distinguished Leadership Award in 2014. In addition to all of her work at UMPI, Chris was also very involved in her community and the causes that she supported. Chris was a huge lover of animals, and worked tirelessly at Central Aroostook Humane Society, as a volunteer, fundraiser, board member, and treat baker for the animals. Chris used her love of helping people, baking, and cooking in her volunteer work at Aroostook House of Comfort. Chris was also involved with her church family at the Presque Isle Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, where she was on the Welcoming Committee, a communion steward, and was often at the church early to make sure that the choir had coffee and treats before the services. Chris was a firm believer that all people were equal and had value. She was strong in her convictions, but was also a great encourager and supporter of the people she loved. She built a beautiful life with her friends, family, and pets. A lover of the simple things and outdoors, she enjoyed her garden and the beauty of her surroundings in Maine.

In addition to her parents, Christine was predeceased by one brother, Earl Standefer; one sister, Wanda McCrillis; and one sister-in-law, Lillian Standefer. She is survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Peter Kwaak of North Fort Myers, FL, and Grace and Ken Kelley of Midlothian, TX; brother-in-law, Terry McCrillis; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends may call Friday, May 8, 2026, from12 to 1 p.m. at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a celebration of Christine's Life will be conducted at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Diane Langworthy officiating. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Christine to Aroostook House of Comfort, P.O. Box 867, Presque Isle, ME 04769 or to Central Aroostook Humane Society, 210 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be expressed at gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com.