Nystrom, Christine L.

Christine L. Nystrom, 69, formerly of Manhattan, N.Y., died Dec. 22, 2010, at her home in Iowa City.

She was born March 23, 1941, in Mount Vernon, N.Y., to Ruth (Grether) Nystrom and Frederick Nystrom. She was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School. She received a B.A. in philosophy and English in 1962 from Washington Square College, New York University, and a M.A. in language and communication in 1966 from Teachers College, Columbia University. Christine earned a Ph.D. in 1973 at the School of Education, NYU. The Media Ecology Program at NYU was created in 1971, and Christine held the distinction of being one of the first to earn a Ph.D. in Media Ecology. She produced the first doctoral dissertation in the program that dealt with media ecology as a coherent theoretical framework and was considered a pioneer in this field.

Christine taught and provided structure to the Media Ecology Program for 30 years. She placed great care in her students' writing and studies, and was a mentor and friend to hundreds. She served as chair or committee member on many dissertation committees. She was a gifted writer and was the author of many publications.

Chris loved New York City and lived in the same apartment in lower Manhattan for more than 30 years. Chris was a devoted member and servant of St. George's Church. She was a loving and giving friend, loved shopping, decorating, gardening, yoga, crocheting, knitting and writing letters. She loved books and poetry. She was a magnificent host and a great cook. While she was an essentially private person who enjoyed solitude, she relished in her family and doted on them dearly.

Surviving are her brother, Peter Nystrom of Menlo Park, Calif.; sister, Judith Denbow of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother-in-law, Richard Newell of Iowa City; cousin, Alayne Lyons of Gilbertsville, N.Y.; nephew, Peter Newell of Iowa City; niece, Jennifer (Jim) Eaton; great-nieces, Anne Christine and Jane Elizabeth, and great-nephew, Samuel James of Urbandale, Iowa; and several cousins, many friends and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ruth Newell; her brother-in-law, Gene Denbow; her aunt, Grace and uncle Howard Braisted; and her aunt, Elsie Grether.

A memorial service and celebration of Chris' life will be held Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. at The Chapel at St. George's Church, 7 Rutherford Place (E. Third Avenue between 16th and 17th streets), lower Manhattan, N.Y.

Memorials may be made to The Cancer Institute (c/o NYU Langone Medical Center), The Smile Train, Heifer International, or Hospice of Central Iowa.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web at