Vanessa Christman

Vanessa Christman, aged 66, passed away March 15,th 2024 in Parker, Colorado surrounded by her husband and children. Her entire life, she gave of herself to others in any way she could, and she did so in her last moments, where her wish to donate her organs to save others was honored.

Born in Houston, TX, the second child of Jeanne Greer and Bill Hardin, she moved to Colorado after graduating early from Westbury High School. Vanessa went to RRCC and later received her Bachelor of Science from CSU where she majored in Human Development & Family Studies. A love for children drew her to the education field and then later caring for others brought her to become a CNA and caregiver in the medical field where she eventually retired from Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Despite a short time spent in Oklahoma and later Wisconsin, she called Colorado home for 43 years until she moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2018 where she met the love of her life, “her cowboy”, Tom.

Vanessa’s biggest dream was to be a mom and she did so beautifully, raising her two sons and daughter. She supported them and loved them through all of life’s ups and downs, encouraging their dreams, and being their biggest cheerleader (you could find her on the sidelines or in the crowd of every one of their sporting events or dance recitals).

Vanessa loved reading but when she wasn’t reading, she was watching movies at home with her amazing homemade popcorn or at the movie theater with her husband and step daughter, snacks and blanket on deck. A fierce and determined mama bear, she was also a fabulous dancer, gardener, and cook (you could count on her to make Mexican food at least once a week). But we mustn’t forget her love for coffee. If coffee was involved, she could drink anyone under the table. A trait given to her by her grandmother, and passed on through every generation in her family.

She enjoyed decorating, paddle boarding, shopping, knitting, traveling, and taking long walks. Vanessa adored the fall but had a special place in her heart for the snow. Aside from having children, one of her lifelong dreams was to take a sleigh ride. In December of 2023, that dream came true when she and Tom took that sleigh ride in Breckenridge, CO, pulled by a mare called Ruby.

Above all else, though, she loved spending time with her husband and children.

Despite many moves, Vanessa had a gift of making anywhere she lived feel like home. She brought warmth and love to any situation and any place. When you spoke to Vanessa, you knew she was being genuine, and you could feel the love emanating from her beautiful smile. No distance was ever too far for her if she wanted to spend time with you or if you were ever in need. And though we do not have her by our side anymore, we can confidently say she is watching over us now, keeping us safe and loving us with a power we cannot fathom.

Vanessa is preceded in death by her mother, Jeanne and father, Bill.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; sister, Marynn and brother in-law Randy; son, Jeremy and daughter-in-law Chrystal; daughter, Crystal and son-in-law Patrick; son, Taylor and his fiancé Heather; grandchildren, Lillyanna and Gracelyn; and step-children.

Vanessa’s service will be Friday, March 22nd, 9:00 a.m. at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. If you are unable to attend in person, there will be a live stream of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the Special Olympics or the First Responders Association.

The Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org

The First Responders Foundation: https://firstrespondersfoundation.org