Christie Elizabeth Gouveia

January  31st, 1989 • November  17th, 2024
Oakley California
Christie Elizabeth Gouveia

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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December 2, 2024
Chris, I can’t believe you are gone. As I reflect on our time together, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible memories we created and the fact that I got to know you so well. Although it has been a few years since I moved away, our friendship remained there and I cherish every moment we shared. I often find myself wishing I had made more of an effort to visit you.

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.
Brittany DeLuca
November 29, 2024
Christie, I'm at a loss for words right now. While it's been almost 9 years since we last saw each other (just before I moved to Texas) we always kept in touch through social media, and I loved seeing the life you built with your partner and your pets. We always shared a love for animals, and when my sweet BB passed away in April this year, you were one of the first people to reach out to me with your condolences. I miss our sushi dates and all our fun adventures like hiking and dressing up for Bay to Breakers. Sending so much love to your family, friends and loved ones right now. Keep shining down on us from heaven!
Xoxo,
your friend Heather
Heather Garland
November 29, 2024
Our hearts are full. Such a touching tribute to Christie, whose life clearly enriched and brought joy to so many! We are blessed by having been in Christie's life, and send virtual hugs of warmth, caring, sympathy and cherished connection to all in Christie's loving circle.
Joanie and David Fischer
November 29, 2024
What a special beautiful tribute to Christie And her family. My deepest condolnces to Tom and AnneMarie and all related to Christie in various ways. I had the pleasure to spend time with her, feel her strength and compassion. She left too young but we got to have her for decades when it seemed things were lost - we are very greatfull for that. God bless and keep Christie and all that loved her.
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.
Kevin Lanning
November 29, 2024
We are so incredibly sorry and heartbroken for Matt and Christie’s family. She was always so kind, sweet, and such a positive light. Always a smile on her face. Sending all the love and prayer during this time.
The Steele Family
November 28, 2024
Our hearts are shattered over the loss of Christie. She has been a cherished part of my family’s life since she was just 5 years old. Christie and Jessica were inseparable as little girls, and as adults, Christie was the maid of honor at Jessica's wedding. I will always treasure that day. Christie looked stunning and delivered the most endearing speech, filling the room with laughter. She was radiant that weekend, having just met Matt a few days prior. She was on cloud nine! Christie and Jessica were more than best friends; they were sisters. They spent many special occasions together. One Halloween they wore matching army fatigues and had so much fun trick-or-treating. I don’t believe there was ever a birthday or school dance where they weren’t together. Christie was a beloved member of our family, and we cared for her her deeply. She enriched our lives with her positivity, beauty, kindness, and happiness. Not only was she a joy to be around, but she was an amazing person and also an inspiration to us all. Her dedication to health and fitness taught us how to live life better and to the fullest. We are so grateful for the 30 years we knew Christie and will never let go of all the wonderful memories. May you rest in peace sweet girl. ❤
Diana Mears

Service


With the holidays upon us...Christie's Celebration of Life will be in January.  Date and location will be posted shortly.

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In honor of our beloved Christie, you're invited to donate to assist with a meaningful tribute to Christie's legacy, and a future foundation established on her behalf.  
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