Christine Diane Messersmith

Christine Diane (Smith) Messersmith passed away peacefully at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 1, 2025. Born on January 1, 1952, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Christine was the devoted daughter of LeRoy and Frances Smith. As part of an Air Force family, she spent her early years traveling throughout Germany and the East Coast of the United States before settling in Albuquerque. Christine graduated from Manzano High School in 1969 and pursued her passion for design at Eastern New Mexico University, later transferring to Northern Arizona University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. 

Christine, who preferred to be called "Chris" was gracefully unforgettable. She had an exquisite eye for beauty, reflected in her impeccable taste in design, clothing, and accessories, and a magnetic presence that lit up every room she entered. Her sense of humor was clever and joyful, and she had a gift for making others laugh, even in the most unexpected moments. She was a voracious reader, always curious and engaged with the world around her, and she found deep meaning in the simple pleasures of life, especially her treasured sunset ceremonies.

Chris enjoyed a distinguished 45-year career in interior design, serving as Design Director for Goodmans Interior Structures. Chris was a President of the New Mexico Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and served on its National Board, leaving a lasting impact on the field and mentoring countless fellow designers. 

On September 28, 1974, Chris married Lanny Messersmith. Together, they shared a deep love of sailing and travel. After Lanny's passing, Chris continued to explore the world and spent time aboard their beloved sailboat, Jolly Mon, in San Diego. Her adventurous spirit remained strong throughout her life. Her most recent journey a trip to Egypt earlier this year. Chris is survived by her son, Nicholas Messersmith, and his wife, Amber, her granddaughters, Eleanor and Vivian, who lovingly called her "Grandma Precious"; her brother, Gregory Smith, and his wife, Carol and their children, Harrison and Phoebe. She was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Frances Smith, and her husband of 35 years, Lanny Messersmith.

 A celebration of Christine's life is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: Make-A-Wish Foundation Junior Achievement of New Mexico New Mexico Child Advocacy Network New Mexico PBS.