Christine Marie Fruzza

Christine Marie "Chris" Fruzza, of Pinole, California, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who left this world suddenly on February 20, 2024.

Chris was born on July 18, 1948, to Joseph Guerrera and Alice (Marshall) Guerrera in Angwin, California, and grew up in Calistoga. She graduated from Ursuline High School in Santa Rosa in 1966 and went on to study English at the University of San Francisco. In 1972, she met the love of her life, Frank, in San Francisco. Chris and Frank had three children, Carey, Matt, and Emily. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Being a public school teacher was Chris's calling. She loved her students and colleagues and shared her passion for literature, teaching, and lifelong learning with thousands of students over the years. She began her career in 1970 at Portola Junior High in El Cerrito, where she taught for three years, and went on to teach English at Pinole Valley High School for 27 years. As a teacher, she truly valued connecting with her students and helping develop their young minds and critical thinking skills. Always devoted to the field of education, she created and taught a hands-on class for high school students interested in entering the profession. She also supported new teachers in programs dear to her heart: the Alternative Certification Partnership Program through Cal State East Bay and the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program (BTSA). She was a member of the bargaining team for the United Teachers of Richmond and received an "Honoring our Own" award from the California Teachers Association in recognition of her years of service as a staunch and dedicated advocate.

In 2008, Chris retired after 37 years in education and spent her time pursuing her passions. She was very involved with the scholarship fund committee of the local California Retired Teachers Association. A voracious reader, she loved to discuss and share the books that she read. She traveled with family and friends, tried new restaurants and wines, and enjoyed spending time in Napa Valley. Chris created delicious and unforgettable meals in their home for dear friends and family. She painstakingly planned each holiday meal with love, raising table decorations to an art form. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities and sporting events and also became a fan of her beloved Golden State Warriors.

Chris was predeceased by her parents, Alice and Joe Guerrera, and sister, Geraldine Guerrera. She is survived by her husband, Frank, and their three children, Carey (Pawel) Piech of El Cerrito, Matt (Abigail) Fruzza of Davis, and Emily (Frank) Coppa of Anchorage; her seven grandchildren, Damian and Kamila Piech, Elio and Gianna Fruzza, and Grace, Joe, and Frank Coppa; and her sister-in-law Jo Oliver. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Chris was laid to rest at St. Helena Cemetery. A celebration in honor of her life is being planned and will be held in May.