Alta Mae Christian

Alta Mae Christian passed peacefully at her home in Napa on September 1, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Alta was born July 2, 1941 to Emma and John Randol, hardworking folks who passed on to Alta an outstanding work ethic and unmatched character and integrity.

Alta was a lifelong resident of Napa who grew up experiencing the change of the valley’s fabric. She picnicked at Con Dam, waterskied the newly filled Lake Berryessa, and cruised The Wright Spot, long before the Napa culture became tasting rooms, the Wine Train, and Bottle Rock.

In high school, Alta began working at the Queen of the Valley Hospital in the kitchen where she met John Christian. Upon meeting Alta, John told his friend Sue, “I’m going to marry that girl someday.” It took a while but he finally sealed the deal on August 10, 1981. For 38 years they filled their life with family, friends, and good times.

After graduating from Napa High in 1959, Alta attended college at San Francisco State. She returned to Napa and again went to work for the Queen in the business department. She retired in 2002 after a total of 42 years of service. She worked there so long it was speculated that Alta was one of the nuns who originally ran the hospital!

Alta loved to go and do and filled her life with rich experiences through simple pleasures. She was always up for a grandchild’s sporting event and faithfully attended all of their milestone celebrations. She loved a day of bargain hunting at thrift shops, could always summon the energy for just one more garage sale, and hosted countless family get togethers in her welcoming home. She was an avid reader, enjoyed tending her garden, and loved spending a day at the beach walking the shore, and basking in the sun. She and John enjoyed traveling the country in their truck and trailer, seeing the sights, and meeting up with friends at their favorite camp sites where they fished, rode their quad, and made lasting memories with friends from around the country.

Alta is survived by her husband, John, daughter Leslie, son in law Bobby, grandchildren Tyler and Haley, sister Kathy, and nieces Cara and Amy. She was a beloved step mother to Marci and Jonny Christian, step-grandmother and great-grandmother to Mikey, Callie, Blake, and Aleah. She leaves behind treasured family members and friends whose lives she touched with her intrinsic goodness.

Our family would like to thank everyone who helped care for Alta during her last days with us, the Emergency Room and ICU staff at the Queen of the Valley, the doctors, nurses, and palliative care team at Kaiser Hospital, Collabria Hospice of Napa, and the numerous family and friends that embraced us with their love and support during this difficult time. Kathy Adle, Anita Fenix, and Judy Waldrip, your contributions provided the strength that we needed to bring our beloved Alta home where we could love and care for her. Your presence was a gift to us that will never be forgotten.

It’s hard to find words worthy of the impact Alta made on anyone who knew her. She respected everyone, offended no one, was genuine, kind and gentle, laughed easily, and had a beautiful smile that would light up a room. She gave and received love with a sincere and caring heart. We are so fortunate to have had such a dear and beloved person in our lives and the grace with which she lived will always be remembered. 

A memorial service is planned for family and friends the 28th of September, 11:00 am, at Tulocay Funeral Home. A Reception will follow at the Tulocay Reception Center.

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