Christiane (Chris) Reynolds was a caring wife, mother, nana, daughter, sister, and friend. She departed this world to be with Jesus on January 2, 2022, at the age of 56, after a two-year courageous battle against glioblastoma brain cancer. Her family, friends, and fur babies comforted her as she made her journey to heaven.
Chris was born April 23, 1965, in Fulda, Germany to Hellmut Horst and Ursula (Falkenberg) Horst. She was the youngest of four siblings, sister to Michael Horst, Ulrike Wiemers, and Matthias Geertz who reside in Germany. Raised in Germany with Lutheran values, Chris received conformation at age 14. Some of her fondest memories were traveling with family to the North Sea in a VW bug. Her family contributed to her foundation to be a loving and caring person, always giving her time to others, and she incorporated those traits and ideals into motherhood.
Chris met the love of her life, James T. Reynolds, while he was stationed in Fulda, Germany. They married on December 2, 1983, at Stadtchloss Fulda, and shared a beautiful 38 years together. Shortly after marriage, Chris moved to the United States to embark on her life as a military spouse, mother, and lifelong learner. Chris was dedicated to visiting family and friends in Germany, as they were an important part of her life. She routinely traveled there, often bringing her family so that everyone could enjoy time together and build memories.
One of greatest joys was becoming a mother to her children Lisa Dean (Reynolds) and Daniel Reynolds. She was the light of their lives as she provided guidance, compassion, and ongoing support through the years. She treasured her children and embraced watching them grow and become a reflection of her light. Beyond motherhood, she loved her role as Nana to her grandchildren Connor and Leah. She cherished every celebration, tradition, and precious moments in between that they will carry with them forever.
Chris’s academic and professional accomplishments were significant as she raised her children, and moved across the country multiple times as a military family. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business from San Diego State University in 1992. She held multiple professional positions over the years but ultimately returned to school to pursue her passion with helping others.
In 2005, Chris returned to school at Pensacola Junior College to pursue her dream to become a Registered Nurse (RN). She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2007 and received her first position as an RN at Sacred Heart Hospital working for Pediatric and Infusion Center. In 2014, Chris and Jim relocated to Pembroke Pines, FL and she continued her position as a nurse at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital as a pediatric oncology nurse. Being a pediatric nurse was very special for Chris, as she cared so much for children. She uplifted children’s spirits while caring for them, sharing love, hope, and compassion for her patients and families.
In January 2020, Chris joined Luke 9:2 Ministries on a medical mission trip to Honduras through the invitation of a friend. Chris loved this trip and grew spiritually from it. She gained friendships, met incredible people, and shared her compassion as an RN providing medical care.
Chris had a deep love for animals, and leaves behind her fur babies Bella and Henna and grand dogs Kindall and Achilles. She had many special fur babies throughout her life that she reunited with in heaven. Chris enjoyed volunteering and fostering dogs with the Dachshund Rescue of South Florida.
Chris enjoyed traveling and going on adventures with family and friends. Her heart embraced exploring new countries/cities and she carried these experiences with her. She especially loved skiing in the mountains, taking tropical cruise, and exploring landmarks throughout Europe. She was an avid reader and would get lost between the pages of stories, and loved connecting with characters and lessons in each book. She enjoyed quality time with family and friends playing board games, cards, or completing puzzles. Chris loved crocheting, and created many beautiful blankets for newborns of family and friends. The ocean was a place that brought her solace and filled her spirit. From boating in the intracoastal of south Florida to exploring the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Chris will always be with us as each sunset touches the shores that keep us all connected.
Chris is survived by her loving husband: Jim Reynolds; daughter: Lisa Dean; son: Daniel Reynolds; grandchildren: Connor and Leah Dean. Her family in Germany includes her mother: Ursula Horst; sister: Ulrike (Georg) Wiemers; brothers: Michel Horst and Matthias (Dagmar) Geertz, and her beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will take place at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care 1600 N. University Dr. Pembroke Pines, FL on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
For those who cannot attend the Service, we are providing a live video stream of the service for family and friends to attend virtually on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 1:00 PM; This will be LIVE on the Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care Facebook page at: Hover & Click to the Right of the Arrow —> BOYD-PANCIERA FAMILY FUNERAL CARE FACEBOOK
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place in Pensacola, Florida on April 23, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, Chris wishes donations be made in her honor to Glioblastoma patients and research. Below are some organizations that continue to pave the way to find a cure and help families.
MUSELLA – Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information Inc.
Challenge Cancer – Sponsored by Sylvester & Miami Dolphins
https://dolphins.donordrive.com/team/6276
Cancer Commons
https://donate.cancercommons.org/
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel
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Karena Edwards
January 7, 2022, 11:43 pm
Chris was such a beautiful light to our infusion center at Sacred Heart. She will be missed by all who encountered her warm spirit.
Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I’ll miss you until I see you again.
Unknown
Bethany Soutullo
January 8, 2022, 11:40 pm
Chris was a wonderful friend and nurse. Remembering our party that we had for her our on our deck made lasting memories. She will be thought of fondly and often. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Tucker JAXTHEIMER
January 10, 2022, 5:13 pm
the loss of a friend is never easy. Chris and I were bound by the terrible disease that neither of us deserved but none the less shared. When I was at first diagnosed I turned to Facebook to search for others in my area to bond with, And I hit the jackpot when I found Chris. We shared the same dignosis and the same doctors. As our situations progressed she was a great source of comfort to me. We spoke of our families, our aches and pains, ourtreatments and fears, hers waS the hand I held in my most vulnerable fraGILE MOMENTS. SHE was a pediatric oncology nurse so I always felt safe talking to her about my fears honestly. When anyone asked who I was talking to or texting with I always said Chris, my Cancer Buddy. But she was so much more to me. We always talked about getting together on my dock for a glass of wine and having our husbands meet, but it never happened. So, tonight I’ll raise a glass to you, Buddy Chris, I hope you have found peace, the worst is over. Chris, you were my shelter in a storm. I’ll miss you.
With love,
Your Cancer Buddy, Tucker