Louise Christine “Chris” Denio Fredrickson

Jan. 21, 1948 - May 11, 2015

On May 11th, 2015 in Reno, Chris Fredrickson, a Gardnerville resident, passed away after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 67. Her family was by her side the pervious day, and she passed peacefully in her sleep. Born in Sacramento, California to Jim and Marilee Denio, Chris grew up on the family ranch in Roseville, California where her parents founded and operated Denio’s Roseville Farmer’s Market and Auction. She was the oldest of four siblings, and worked at the family business while growing up. She was active in 4H and other activities, and had horses, and a variety of other animals and a lifelong love for dogs. She participated in school activities and always had fond memories of her many friends. She 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 from 1972 - 1980. In January 1971, she married John Fredrickson in a winter wedding at Dutch Flat, California. Chris and John lived happily 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 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 world-wide journey around the world. They went everywhere they could during the six months they were gone. And, they had to complete their studies along the way and provide reports of what they learned when they returned to school. She said it was the best education they could have had. Chris and John traveled. While their children were growing up, they took them with them everywhere they went. Chris’s 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 environment. 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 and charming hostess. Everyone loved Chris. She was a loving, kind, caring, and compassionate woman. She loved and adored her family, and they all love and adore her. She never met a stranger. She was outgoing and friendly. She mad many friends and acquaintances, and valued the opinions of others. Her smile was infectious, and always present. She could cheer you up in an instant, and we will miss her. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, John. Three children and their families, Daughter Amy Rivera and Son-In-Law Carlo Rivera, Granddaughter Stella, of Allen, Texas; Daughter Erin Holland and Son-in-law Judah Holland, Granddaughters Rylee and Olivia, and Grandson Jack, of Reno; Son Greg Fredrickson and Daughter-In-Law, Tiffany Fredrickson, Grandson Greyson, of Gardnerville. Mother Marilee Denio of Roseville. Sister Kathy Filipponi and Brother-In-Law, Doug Filipponi, of Creston, California. Brother Ken Denio and Sister-In-Law Georgia Denio, of Roseville. Sister-In-Law Mary Denio-Elliot of Granite Bay, California. Fredrickson Family Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-In-Law: Karen Bittleston of Carson City, 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, nieces, and other family members. And... her little dog, LiLi. She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Tom, in 1985, and her father, Jim, in 2000. A Memorial Gravesite 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 nobody survives. 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 an souls. If you would like to help find a cure, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.ORG.