Louise Christine Denio "Chris" Fredrickson

Fredrickson, Louise Christine Denio "Chris" January 21, 1948 - May 11, 2015 On May 11th, 2015, in Reno, Nevada, Chris Denio Fredrickson, a Gardnerville, Nevada resident, passed away after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was 67. Her family was by her side the previous day and she passed peacefully in her sleep. Born in Sacramento, to Jim and Marilee Denio, Chris grew up on the family ranch in Roseville, where her parents founded and operated Denio's Roseville Farmers Market and Auction. She was the oldest of four siblings and worked at the family business while growing up. Chris was active in 4H and other activities. She had horses and a variety of other animals and had a lifelong love for dogs. She participated in school activities and always had fond memories of her many friends. Chris graduated from Roseville High School in 1966 and the University of Nevada-Reno in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Primary Education. She taught 2nd Grade and Kindergarten for eight years at Anderson Elementary in Reno. Chris was happily married to John Fredrickson. Wed in January 1971, she and John lived in Reno during their early years together. She taught school and dreamed of starting a family. After the birth of their first child in 1978, Chris taught two more years and then became a full-time wife, mother and homemaker, which she loved. After two more children in 1982 and 1984, Chris' family was complete and she continued her life's journey as the Matriarch of her family. They lived in Reno and Newcastle, California before moving to Carson Valley, Nevada in 1987, where she lived until her death. Chris loved to travel. Her passion for seeing new things and meeting interesting people was ignited by her parents, when at age 13, she and her three younger siblings were taken by their parents on a journey around the world. They went everywhere they could during the six months they traveled. The children had to complete their studies along the way and provide reports of what they learned when they returned to school. Chris said it was the best education they could have ever had. Chris and John traveled, too. While they were growing up, their children traveled with them everywhere they went. Chris' favorite trip of all was when they went to South Africa and went on safari. She loved seeing the animals in their natural environment. Chris was an avid gardener. She loved growing and nurturing flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees. She completely landscaped her yard and the surrounding acres of her property and transformed a field into a park-like environ ment. Her other passions included sewing, quilting, beading, jewelry making, decorating, cooking and taking care of her family. She loved family get-togethers and was an elegant, charming hostess. A loving, kind, caring and compassionate woman, everyone loved Chris. Chris never met a stranger. She was outgoing and friendly. She had many friends and acquaintances and valued the opinions of others. Her smile was infectious and ever-present. She could cheer you up in an instant. Chris loved and adored her family. They all love and adore and will miss her. Chris was preceded in death by her younger brother, Tom, in 1985, and her father, Jim, in 2000. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, John; three children and their families: daughter Amy Rivera, son-in-law Carlo and granddaughter Stella, of Allen Texas; daughter Erin Holland, son-in-law Judah, granddaughters Rylee and Olivia and grandson Jack, of Reno; son Greg Fredrickson, daughter-in-law Tiffany and grandson Greyson, of Gardnerville; mother Marilee Denio of Roseville; sister Kathy Filipponi and brother-in-law Doug, of Creston, California; brother Ken Denio and sister-in-law Georgia, of Roseville; sister-in-law Mary Denio-Elliot of Granite Bay; Fredrickson Family brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Karen Bittleston of Carson City, Nevada; Bruce and Susan Fredrickson of Danville, California; Jeff and Terri Fredrickson of Marion, Ohio; Paul Fredrickson of Reno; Joel and Judy Fredrickson of Reno; a cousin, nephews and nieces, and other family members. And her little dog, LiLi. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Carson Valley. Alzheimer's Disease is a devastating and horrific disease for which there is no cure and that has no survivors. Chris suffered for many years and ultimately lost her life. Her family watched as it slowly ravaged her abilities until she could fight no more. She is now at peace and we will miss her, but she will always be in our hearts and souls. If you would like to help to find a cure, please contact the Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.ORG.