Kristine Marie Frey

Kristine Marie Frey, 58, of Golden Valley, MN, passed away on October 2, 2025, at North
Memorial Hospital. A beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Kristine was known
for her generous spirit, artistic soul, and unwavering commitment to building community.
Born on April 30, 1967, in Swansea, MA, Kristine was the loving daughter of Joseph
Pacheco and the late Katherine Kirkman. She graduated from Northeastern University in
Boston in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in English and Literature, a reflection of her lifelong
love of language and storytelling.
Kristine dedicated more than 20 years of her professional life to Travelers Insurance, where
she was known not only for her leadership but for her deep investment in people. In her
most recent role as AVP – Middle Market Operations, she continued to advocate for equity
and inclusion through her work with the EDGE program, giving others the same chances for
success that she always strived to create.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kristine brought joy and energy to every space
she entered. A Golden Valley resident for 25 years, she worked tirelessly to foster
community, founding both the New Hope and Golden Valley farmers markets to provide
meaningful gathering places for her neighbors. She volunteered with Families Feeding
Families, the annual Holiday Toy Shoppe at Valley Presbyterian Church, and the "tent city"
event where money was raised for the homeless communities in Minnesota, embodying a
life of service and giving back.
She was a recent member of Mercy Hill Church, where she found joy in the Sunday live
music. A gifted painter and writer, Kristine often expressed her creativity through short
stories, poetry, and art. She was known among family and friends as a "24/7/365" person-
always present, always giving, always showing up. Sunday dinners were a cherished ritual,
filled with laughter, conversation, and her love for side dishes over the main course.
Kristine also dreamed of a quiet beach house where she could be near the ocean, reading
her favorite books and listening to music. That dream reflected her love of simplicity,
beauty, and peace.
Kristine is preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Ann Kirkman, and her brother,
Joseph Charles Pacheco Jr. She is survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, Douglas
Frey; her children, Olivia Frey and her husband Connor McDonald of Edina, MN, Zachary
Frey of St. Louis Park, MN, and Nolan Frey of Eden Prairie, MN; her father, Joseph Pacheco
Sr. of Swansea, MA; and her sister Kim Florio and husband Mike Florio of Clinton, CT.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM CST at
Mercy Hill Church, Minnetonka, MN.