Obituary
Our beautiful Christie passed away suddenly, November 17, 2024, at the age of 35. Born January 31, 1989, in Livermore, California, Christie lived her life with kindness, compassion, and immeasurable love for family, friends, and animals alike.
Within two days of Christie's passing, my shattered heart needed to know she was alright. That very morning, my sweet neighbor sent me a photo of the sunrise, a stunning riot of color. The caption read 'Look, Christie painted the sky for you'. It literally took my breath away. It was my darling girl, in all her resplendence, a full display of her beauty and light.
Simply put, Christie was a force of nature. The absolute embodiment of perseverance and grace. Never once, through a lifetime of medical trauma, did she ever ask "why me"? Christie's quiet strength, yet fierce determination left me in awe. She showed me what true courage really looks like. Being Christie's Mom has been my greatest privilege and blessing. I will honor her always, cherishing the memories, the lessons, and the extraordinary gift of her life.
Matthew Larsen, was Christie’s devoted partner of ten years. Throughout their relationship, they shared great love, mutual respect and understanding. Christie and Matt made a home together with their three dogs—Uno, Luna, and her beloved Shadow. Tripp, the feisty rescue kitty, completed their sweet family.
Christie is tenderly remembered by her mother, Mary Dennis-Naleway; stepfather, Jeffrey Naleway (predeceased); stepsister, Madeleine Solomon-Naleway; her adoring grandparents, William(Bill) and Jean Dennis (predeceased). Christie is deeply cherished by her uncle, Timothy Dennis; aunts, Kathleen Catalano (predeceased) and Cynthia Reiman; cousins, Katy and Sean Dennis, Michael (predeceased) and Steven Catalano, Joshua and Jeffrey Reiman.
In addition, Christie is affectionately remembered by her father, Thomas Gouveia; stepmother, AnneMarie Mazotti Gouveia; stepbrothers, Adam Nice, Dominic Mazotti, and Zachary Mazotti. Christie's loving grandparents, Edward Gouveia (predeceased), Helen and Peter Vels (predeceased); as well as her aunt, Diane Christensen, and cousin, Debbie Ferguson.
Professionally, Christie was admired and respected by her colleagues at Whole Foods, where she worked diligently and with unwavering enthusiasm. Christie left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of working alongside her.
May Christie's precious heart and beautiful soul sleep peacefully.
What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness - Thomas Bailey Aldrich
I carry your heart...
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
E.E. Cummings -
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I will always treasure our countless summer nights and the adventures we embarked on together that Summer before College and then every chance we had to get together after that. We truly had the best times. You will be deeply missed by all who knew you.
Xoxo,
your friend Heather
Special condolences to Matt who loved(s) her deeply as these times are especially difficult for him. Peace Matt - cherish the times you had and cherish the memories you have.
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