Resolution on the death of Christopher Anne Affleck.

RES 2026-107 FIRST IN COUNCIL August 3, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN WHEREAS: Christopher Anne Affleck passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 83, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of teaching, activism, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to justice; and WHEREAS: A graduate of Radcliffe College and among the first women to receive a Harvard diploma, Chris made Cambridge her lifelong home, embracing the city's tradition of civic engagement while helping to shape it through her own example of compassion, integrity, and public service; and WHEREAS: Chris devoted 35 years to teaching in the Cambridge Public Schools, where she believed every child deserved dignity, opportunity, and respect, welcoming students from every background into a classroom built on fairness, curiosity, and kindness, and leaving a lasting impact on countless young people and families throughout the community; and WHEREAS: Her commitment to justice began early, from participating in Freedom Summer literacy efforts in Mississippi and opposing the Vietnam War to her later work as an organizer with the Alliance for Water Justice in Palestine, advocating for equitable access to one of life's most essential resources, while also helping found Sustainable Cape in Truro, demonstrating throughout her life that citizenship meant not only caring deeply about the world, but taking action to improve it; and WHEREAS: Chris approached every cause, every conversation, and every challenge with humility, humor, and an open mind, never afraid to question authority, seek the truth, or encourage others, especially young people, to think independently and stand up for what they believed was right; and WHEREAS: Chris found her greatest joy in her family, especially her sons, Benjamin Géza and Caleb Casey, and her five beloved grandchildren, whose accomplishments she celebrated and whose curiosity, independence, and sense of justice she proudly nurtured, and in the deep friendships she cultivated throughout Cambridge, Truro, and beyond; and WHEREAS: Those fortunate enough to know Chris will remember not only her extraordinary life of service, but also her warmth, wit, generosity, and genuine interest in others, qualities that made her a trusted teacher, a respected advocate, a treasured friend, and a beloved member of the Cambridge community; now therefore be it RESOLVED: That the Mayor and the City Council of Cambridge express their profound sorrow at the passing of Christopher Anne Affleck, honor her extraordinary life of teaching,

activism, and service, and extend their heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, former students, and all who were privileged to know her; and be it further RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the family of Christopher Anne Affleck. A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

City of Cambridge Resolution on the death of Christopher Anne Affleck.