Christian Olivia Starks

Her adult name was Christian Olivia Murray but she was born Carolyn Olive Murray in Bellingham on June 22,1950. She attended Campus School K-6, was a student leader in the first class to open Sehome High School, wrote the lyrics to the school song, and graduated from WWU with a degree in Psychology. Christian had a beautiful singing voice and sang for years with local singer/songwriter Ted Smith in and around Bellingham. She was a favorite at the annual Lummi Island Talent Show. She traveled extensively to Europe, Central and South America, including a major Amazon River experience, and an intensive art program on a Greek Island where she danced [diaphanous gown] in ancient temple ruins. She lived in three corners of the US including Florida and Monterey, CA, but her favorite spot was Lummi Island, where with help from friends and family she designed and built her dream home. Christian studied Goju Ryu karate and maintained many wonderful friendships for years from the Dojo. She was a poet and a painter who lived “support your local artists” and collected their pottery, paintings, and glassworks. Christian enjoyed selecting clothing found in re-use opportunities and put together fantastic outfits worn with style and aplomb for any occasion. She was a hair stylist and worked in various salons, the last being Garret’s Hair Design on the southside. She was a Hospice volunteer for decades and gave last haircuts to many throughout the county. Her home salon, with the best view of Mt. Baker on the island, was an island institution, where customers and friends came as much to be in her fun, interesting, and accepting presence as for her professional services. She also had an office in town where she practiced hypnotherapy. Despite the challenges of type one diabetes presenting at age twelve, she kept her loving and brave spirit of appreciation for life. “Another beautiful day in paradise!” she’d say happily, “here on Lummi Island.” Christian is survived by her husband Randy Starks of Lummi Island, step-mother Shirley Murray of Vancouver, WA, sister Anne Murray Lenkert, of Walnut Creek, CA, and nephews Keith Murray and Jason Murray, both of Portland, OR. She was predeceased by her brother, James Gordon Murray and parents, Keith and Olive Murray of Bellingham. Family members are so very appreciative of the care given Christian by her husband, Randy Starks, and support by her friend, Linda Wright, which allowed her to stay in her home these last years. In lieu of donations in her name, she would have asked that you buy something from a local artist. A memorial will be held when it’s safe to do so.

Christian Olivia Starks

June 22, 1950 - May 24, 2021