Baltimore, MD — It is with profound sadness that the Auburn High School Class of 1984 mourns the passing of one of their own, Christine Ellie Ritchie. A cherished classmate, brilliant scientist, and beloved family member, Christine passed away on April 13, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. Her life leaves behind a radiant legacy of intellect, compassion, and quiet strength that touched countless lives across both personal and professional worlds.
Christine’s classmates remember her not only for her sharp mind but for her warm heart. Even as a teenager, Christine stood out—kind, curious, and deeply thoughtful. She brought light into every room she entered and left people better than she found them. Her presence at reunions and her ongoing connection to many friends from AHS served as a testament to the relationships she nurtured over decades.
Professionally, Christine Ellie Ritchie was nothing short of remarkable. As a Principal Test Engineer, she played a vital role in one of humankind’s greatest scientific achievements: the Hubble Space Telescope. Her work, grounded in a passion for physics, astronomy, and computer data, was essential in the design and testing of mechanisms that allowed the Hubble to peer into the farthest reaches of space. Through her dedication, Christine helped unlock mysteries of the universe, giving generations the gift of wonder and the ability to see back in time through the lens of science.
“She had a mind for the stars and a heart that could fill galaxies,” one former colleague shared. “Christine was more than a brilliant engineer—she was an inspiration, especially to women in science and engineering.”
Christine’s contributions to Hubble will continue to echo through time, helping humanity understand its place in the cosmos. Her work invited us to look up and dream bigger, even as it was rooted in careful precision and scientific rigor.
But Christine’s proudest roles were in her family life. She was a devoted sister to Karyn (Ritchie) Brundige and a loving wife to Ernie Morse. Their bond, built on mutual respect, admiration, and love, was evident to all who knew them. Together, Christine and Ernie shared not only a home but a shared joy for life’s wonder—whether in the sky above or in the quiet, beautiful moments between them.
As the Auburn High School Class of 1984 grieves this tremendous loss, we also celebrate Christine’s extraordinary life. Her spirit, her genius, and her grace remain deeply etched in our memories.
To all of Christine’s many friends from AHS and beyond, our hearts are with you. She was a cherished part of our lives, and her absence will be deeply felt.
The next time you look up into the night sky, take a moment to remember Christine. Think of the stars she helped us see, and the boundless horizon she leaves behind as her legacy.