Christine (Fackrell) Esposito

Dr. Christine K Fackrell Esposito, 55, passed away due to complications from cardiovascular surgery on April 24, 2023, in Salt Lake City, UT. She was born on July 28, 1967, to Don Maylon and Maxine Fackrell in Provo, UT. Chris was a loving mother to her two children, Tabitha and Sam Esposito.

Chris was a woman of many passions and interests, and her love for all people and cultures was one of the defining characteristics of her life. She had a deep appreciation for diversity and was always eager to learn about different ways of life. This curiosity and open-mindedness extended to her love of animals, and she had a special place in her heart for all the pets she had throughout her life.

Chris grew up with her two sisters, Cindy and Carey, and they shared many wonderful memories together: camping trips, riding horses, playing in the west fields of Springville and lately, ‘80’s Movie nights. She married John Esposito after graduating from BYU and together they embarked on a journey that took them to many places including Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, England and Germany.  They later divorced but remained friends and supportive co-parents. More recently, Chris and her children lived in Cody, WY and San Diego.

Chris was incredibly proud of her most recent position as a counselor for the Marine Corps Community Services. She was a passionate supporter of the military and felt honored to be able to help young men and women as they prepared to serve our country.  Earlier in her career, she impacted many lives as a therapist in Wyoming and Virginia, teaching parenting seminars in Missouri and Kansas, as well as volunteering with the Red Cross overseas, at a women's shelter in the UK and at Utah animal shelters.

Chris valued education and spent much of her life learning. She was a proud graduate of the 1985 Class of Springville High School Red Devils.  She was an expert in multiple methods of therapy, including mindfulness, children’s play therapy, somatic experiencing and was always seeking more.  She earned the following degrees:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy, Northcentral University
• Post-Masters Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Virginia Tech
• Master of Education in Counseling, Boston College
• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Brigham Young University

Despite being diagnosed with a heart condition early in life, Chris never let it hold her back. She remained positive and determined to live her life to the fullest. One of Chris's greatest joys in life was her love for the mountains. She found peace and solace in the natural beauty of the outdoors, and she enjoyed nothing more than spending time hiking, walking, running, and taking scenic drives.  She visited the Alps, hiked in the Black Forest and lived at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, but her love was always the Mountain West, and especially riding horses on Maple Mountain with her father.

Chris had a diverse and rich life, even having met Queen Elizabeth in England.  But her time in this life was too short for all of the dreams she had.

Chris was preceded in death by her beloved niece, Katelyn Gabbitas, who held a special place in her heart. In addition to her children, Tabitha Esposito and Sam Esposito, Chris is survived by her parents, Maylon and Maxine Fackrell, and her siblings - Cindy Gabbitas (Mike) and Carey Olsen (Mark Stephenson) and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Her memory will be cherished by all those whose lives she touched, and she is deeply missed by her children and family. A celebration of Chris's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or a charity of your choice in her memory.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.