Janet Christine "Chris" Hirsch

Chris Hirsch, 57, of Willard, passed away peacefully May 2, 2018, with her children and loving family members by her side.

She was born on July 19, 1961 to Donna Jean Thomson (Elston) in Lawrence, Kansas, and adopted into a loving household by the late Edward J Hirsch, of Lincoln, Nebraska and the late Esther L. Neff (Alpers), of Clatonia, Nebraska.  She graduated from Southeast High School, Lincoln, Nebraska in 1979 and was actively pursuing a degree in Business Law at Ozark's Technical Community College, Springfield, Missouri until the onset of her illness.  Chris worked as an Inventory Counter at McLane Company, Inc in Republic, Missouri, where she received accolades in recognition of her ability to lead others to work together as a team to accomplish tasks as critical deadlines drew near.  Her willingness to work long hours and help in areas outside her role as Inventory Counter never wavered, and helped to establish friendships that she held up until her passing.

Chris was as passionate in work as she was in her love for animals, and activism in fighting for the protection of animals in the wild.  She was a fierce proponent for ending the dolphin slaughter in Taijii, Japan, which was the plight of Ric O'Barry in "The Cove".  She loved to donate to local no-kill animal shelters, and volunteered to help transport animals that had been adopted across state lines finally get to their forever home parents.  She owned two dogs of her own, both of which preceded her in death, Jet Perfect Payne, a male white German Shepherd, and Martin's Learah ("Sissy") of Noblecroft, a female German Shepherd.  She also owned a female cat, "Kitten", who was presented to her on her fifty-fourth birthday as a gift, having been rescued as feral by a friend, who is a fellow local animal activist and rescue volunteer.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." – Martin Luther King Jr.

Chris became passionate and very vocal in her support of progressive ideals and values after her diagnosis.  During the primaries and lead up to the presidential election of 2017, she helped collect signatures and joined in various protests and rallies, drawing inspiration from her mother, the late Esther Hirsch, who was an active volunteer in the Junior League, the Heritage League, and the League of Women Voters of Nebraska.  Chris's activism in both areas of animal rights and political progressivism established countless friendships locally, across the United States, and the world.

Chris was fortunate to locate her biological mother, Donna Jean Thomson (Elston), her brothers, Danny and Darren Guy, and sister, Debrah Bowman, many years before her passing.  Chris cherished learning more about her family, and reconnecting with her lost family brought much joy to her.  Reconnecting with her mother and siblings helped her understand more about herself, yet she remained very thankful she was fortunate to have such loving adoptive parents in Ed and Esther Hirsch.

"I belong to no religion.  My religion is love.  Every heart is my temple." – Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi

Chris was under the care of her daughter, Heather Anne Blair of Willard, Missouri, throughout the duration of her illness.  Heather, having learned her mother faced a difficult fight ahead, relocated her family, Phillip David Hamilton, her boyfriend of fourteen years, and two of her children, Chason and Lilliana, from Nebraska to Missouri to assume the difficult task of caring for a loved one fighting an incurable and aggressive cancer.  Heather and Chris proved to be an intimidating team confronting the illness, and through exhaustive hours of research learning all aspects of the progression, both approved and experimental treatments, and prognosis of Chris's diagnosed cancer, were able to advocate for a need to improve the treatment options and resources available in the region for illnesses similar to what Chris faced.  Throughout treatment, Chris faced many challenges and decisions that otherwise would have negatively impacted her quality of life had it not been for Heather's guiding hand.  Chris would comment to friends, doctors, nurses and acquaintances how wonderful and knowledgeable a daughter she had in Heather.

Having spent nearly every day together over the course of Chris's journey after diagnosis, the bond that was shared between mother and daughter had tempered into the hardest foundation that will last eternal.  Chris was put at ease knowing that her daughter, grandchildren, and other family members would be safe under the motherly protection and care that Heather could bestow, now strengthened by the lessons learned walking in step with Chris on her final journey in life.

Chris leaves behind a son, Nicholas Edward Goins of Springfield, Missouri.  Chris and Nicholas shared similar interests in music, the desire to travel to unique destinations internationally, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, a fiery temper, and an acerbic wit.  Chris nurtured many passions Nicholas expressed throughout his formative years.  Chris supported her son's alternative lifestyle as a staunch ally, never wavering from her promise of, "A mother's love is forever".  Chris enjoyed listening to Nicholas perform in concerts and parades playing the trumpet, French horn, or any other instrument he would happen to come home with.  Having lived together for the majority of the years from his birth until Chris began the next chapter in her journey, they were able to frequently complete each other's sentences or thoughts.

Chris and Nicholas shared several wonderful moments together in life. In April of 2011, the pair traveled to Chicago to attend a Rush concert at the United Center, visited the Willis Tower SkyDeck, and enjoyed libations in the lively Boystown district, where other patrons were amazed at Chris' acceptance and approval, even partaking in a night out with her son, all the way from Nebraska.  Chris and Nicholas also attended a Godsmack concert at the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque in Springfield.  Chris was insistent on joining the crowd away from their seats at ground level, which had erupted into a "mosh pit" of much more youthful and intimidating men, to the dismay of Nicholas.  Chris and Nicholas bonded over winter months over the years, often teaming up in a passion of her son's in the latest strategy game of Tomb Raider, or making friends across the country within the popular MMORPG (Massive Multi-Online Role Playing Game) "World of Warcraft".  Chris had always pushed Nicholas to recognize that he need always push himself to achieve greater things.  Recognizing that her son often lost interest when challenges became mundane, Chris constantly impressed the need to better himself through his career, education, hobbies, or to pick up the torch of his grandmother, Esther Hirsch, and investigate an activist cause to champion.

With Heather assisting Chris in her daily care, Nicholas followed Chris' wishes and worked until it was time to assist Heather in providing the care that she needed.  This joint effort helped to assure Chris that her two children, Heather and Nicholas, had learned the valuable life lessons parents wish to impress upon their children before being at peace.

Chris was fortunate to see the bond of love between her daughter, Heather and hopeful future son-in-law, Phillip David Hamilton, grow stronger with each passing year after the birth of their child, Chris' granddaughter, Lilliana.  Phillip and Chris enjoyed exploring the history of the Ozarks, in particular the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, where the pair spent many hours walking the trails, exploring the battlefield dioramas, and appreciating the historical significant site so close to Chris' home.  Phillip and Chris enjoyed trips to the local lakes, fishing spots, nature trails, and many more outdoor activities.

Chris was blessed with four loving grandchildren, Chason Steven Martin, 18, and Trentn David Hamilton, 18, both of Willard, Corbin Theodore Blair, 14, of Lincoln, and Lilliana Christine Linda Hamilton, 11, of Willard.  Each of her grandchildren displayed passion and drive with hobbies and interests that Chris enjoyed participating in.

Chris enjoyed playing Rock Band with Chason, and the two would also spend special moments together searching for the next hidden treasure browsing the local flea markets and antique malls.  Chason enjoyed spending time with his grandmother, and his favorite pet, Learah.  The trio often would be found in the back yard playing alternating games of catch between Chason and Chris with baseballs and gloves, and throwing the stick for Learah, who always insisted on joining in the fun.  Chris enjoyed spending nights outside with Chason once he reached the age of 18, watching the stars while the two shared a relaxing smoke from a hookah, and if conditions were right, studying the moon and other celestial bodies with a telescope.

Trentn and Chris grew close together spending time talking about the future, urging Trentn to pursue his dreams.  The two bonded over showing compassion to wildlife, conservationism, and celebrating all the splendors of nature.  Chris, having had to suspend pursuit of her degree due to her illness, was thrilled to learn that Trentn understood the value of pursuing higher education.  The two share a special bond, and a promise to work towards a degree and pursue a career that offers challenges but also aligns with what Trentn holds passion in.

Chris and Corbin shared a love for football, even when they found themselves at odds over favorite teams.  Chris enjoyed watching Corbin play football when she was able to travel to games.  Corbin, being an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman, found a surprising supporter in his passions within Chris, who delicately balanced her desire to protect all creatures from harm with her love for her grandson.

Finally, if there was any doubt that any of the previous grandchildren weren't headstrong and fearless like their grandmother, Lilliana surely and effectively eviscerates such doubt.  Chris was very active with Lilliana, attending boxing lessons, and cheering on "her girl" on the football field, whooping out a "get em Lil!" every time Lilliana honed in on the ball after the snap.  Lilliana and Chris adopted a wonderful cat that appeared during the frigid winter months.  "Boo" had three kittens that Chris was able to hold and kiss before her illness confined her to bed.

"What feels like the end is often the beginning." - Unknown

Chris instilled in her children and grandchildren the benefit of hard work, dedication to finishing what you start, teamwork, and love for all animals.

Chris was preceded in death by two parents, Edward J. Hirsch and Esther L. Neff (Alpers) Hirsch, infant sister Nancy Laura Hirsch, and two loving pets, Jet Perfect Payne and Martin's Learah "Sissy" of Noblecroft.

She is survived by her mother, Donna Jean Thomson (Elston) of Baldwin City, Kansas; three brothers, Danny Lynn Guy of Hudson, Florida, Darren Ray Guy of Baldwin City, Kansas and Roger W. Hirsch and sister-in-law Janet L. Hirsch, both of Lincoln, Nebraska; a sister, Debra Kay Bowman of Baldwin City, Kansas; two children, one daughter, Heather A. Blair of Willard, Missouri and son, Nicholas E. Goins of Springfield, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Chason Steven Martin, Trentn David Hamilton, Lilliana Christine Linda Hamilton, all of Willard, Missouri and Corbin Theodore Blair of Lincoln, Nebraska.  Chris is also survived by close cousins, Margaret Moravec of Nebraska, and Anne Wagner of Colorado, as well as brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, close friends and neighbors.

The family requests memorials, in lieu of flowers, are addressed to:

Hirsch Family

203 South Street

Willard, MO 65781