Karlyn C Chrissinger

Karlyn C. Chrissinger, 57, passed away on July 22, 2026.

Karlyn was a loving daughter, sister, auntie, wife, mom, and, most recently, a very proud Gigi. She was born on February 25, 1969, in Beaverton, Oregon, the firstborn daughter of Tom and Jill Kucera, and grew up alongside her younger sister, Kim. Karlyn and Kim held a deep affection for their annual summer trip to Corvallis, Montana with their parents to visit Great Grandma Peg, as well as fond memories of beach days at the Oregon coast with Grandma Margaret and Cousin Kristen. Karlyn had a very special place in her heart for Granda Grace, who Karlyn said was always kind, that is the highest compliment Karlyn could give. She and Kim recently laughed about staying the night with Grandma Grace, and watching black and white television, and using the rotary phone to request songs like "Little Red Corvette" on the local radio program.

Karlyn attended Oregon State University, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She was capable, resourceful, and a master of so many things, taking on many different jobs and roles throughout her life. One of those jobs changed everything: while working at US West, she met Craig Chrissinger, the man who would become her life partner. They spent 37 years together and shared 33 loving years of marriage.

Together, Karlyn and Craig built a life centered around family and raised two daughters, Cailey and Kelsey. Of all the roles Karlyn held, being a mom was her favorite. Many would say she was the greatest mom of all time. She was her daughters’ biggest supporter, safe place, and cheerleader—the person they could count on through absolutely everything.

In December 2025, Karlyn became “Gigi” to her grandson, Tucker, a role that brought her an entirely new kind of joy. As Tucker’s nanny, she treasured their days together and the incredibly special bond they shared. Karlyn often joked that she planned to live to be 200 years old and that someday Tucker would take care of her.

Karlyn was the person who showed up. She was there for people through their highest highs and lowest lows, knew how to make hard days easier, and celebrated others’ wins as if they were her own. No one was ever a stranger or an imposition. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and important.

She was naturally beautiful and never cared much for makeup, possessions, or material things. What mattered to Karlyn were people, experiences, and the simple things that made life good. She loved coffee, dogs, junk food, Swedish fish, gingerbread, and wonderfully bad TV shows and movies. She famously disliked baking but was a great cook. She loved deeply, laughed easily, and found happiness in both the big moments and the ordinary ones.

Karlyn and Craig especially treasured their annual tradition of spending two weeks in Mexico, a special part of the life they shared together. Karlyn was also deeply spiritual and found a community she loved, one that brought her friendship, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Above all, Karlyn will be remembered for the way she loved—generously, fiercely, and without hesitation. She showed up. She took care of people. She celebrated them, made them laugh, and made them feel like they mattered.

Karlyn is survived by her husband, Craig Chrissinger; daughters, Cailey Chrissinger and Kelsey Schutte; son-in-law, Steven Schutte; grandson, Tucker Schutte; parents, Tom and Jill Kucera; sister, Kim Kucera; and the many family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were made better by knowing her.

Karlyn gave so much of herself to the people she loved, and she will be missed beyond measure. We hope that somewhere, she is sitting by the ocean, enjoying a slice of cake with a good cup of coffee nearby, knowing just how deeply she was loved.