Christine "Chris" Linda Baron

Christine "Chris" Linda Baron, 86, passed away on November 8, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida.

Born September 1, 1940 in Seattle, the family soon moved to Southern California where Chris would eventually graduate from the University of Redlands. Education became an early calling and she would go on to teach high school English across all grade levels for nearly 40 years with a notable stint in Samoa. The majority of those years were spent at Fountain Valley High School where she inspired students, many of whom she stayed in touch with for years following their graduation. Among her favorite books to teach were The Grapes of Wrath, 1984, The Eyes Were Watching God and Hamlet. During her time there, Chris co-sponsored Orange County’s first gay teen support group called The Alliance as well as helped lead the school’s much-lauded mock trial team to numerous victories.

Chris was a founding member of the Orange County chapter of Amnesty International, co-authored the well-received parent resource book What Did You Learn in School Today?, penned the column “From the Front of the Class” in the Los Angeles Times for several years and supported a wide variety of charitable and democratic-oriented causes ranging from healthcare to wildlife.

When not teaching, Chris was frequently traveling the world. From Chile, Kenya and the Soviet Union to Papua New Guinea, China and dozens of countries beyond, Chris explored the world with open eyes and an open heart. Her intellectual curiosity, empathy and warm humor were hallmarks that made her welcome among friends at home and new ones abroad.

Though she set down the viola after college, her love of music endured throughout the rest of her life. From jazz to classical, rock to indie, folk to world, music was a constant presence in her life and home.

Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s nearly 20 years ago, Chris remained active in her commitment to fitness and travel throughout. After nearly a lifetime spent in Southern California, Chris moved to South Florida in early 2023 to be closer to family.

Chris is survived by her children Matt (Jennifer) and Josh (Rachel), grandchildren Blake and Billie, and sister Holly (Craig). She was predeceased by her husbands Walt and Bruce.

A service in memory of Chris will be held on Sunday, November 22 at 10:30am at Temple Beth El located at 333 SW 4th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Family will welcome visitors back at their home immediately following services at 12:30pm.

Donations may be made in memory of Chris Baron to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union, International Rescue Committee or National Resource Defense Council.

• Professional arrangements are entrusted to:

• Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487, 561-997-8580

• www.gpanochfunerals.com

•