Kristi Garden, age 55, of Moorhead, Minn., formerly Gary, Minn., died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Moorhead.

Kristi Elaine Garden, daughter of Ogden and Elaine (Bucholz) Garden, was born on June 22, 1957, in Crookston, Minn. She was raised in Gary, and graduated from Gary High School in 1975. Kristi then furthered her education at Moorhead State College, where she received bachelor's degrees in both voice and music education. From 1980 until 1984, Kristi was a music teacher at Mapleton Elementary in Mapleton, N.D. She then went on to earn her Master's of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. After graduating in 1987, Kristi continued to live in Austin and taught at St. Louis Catholic School for more than 10 years. While in Austin, she was very involved in music competitions and performed with various operas and symphonies. In 1999, Kristi moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. Shortly thereafter, she met Mel Fredricksen, with whom she shared her life. In 2000, she moved to Fargo, N.D., with Mel and began working as a substitute teacher. They moved to Moorhead in 2008, where they made their home.

Kristi's true passion in life was music; she was a talented soprano and pianist. She also liked to bake and decorate her home. Kristi loved fashion and greatly enjoyed shopping to find the newest trends. She and Mel often traveled and took many memorable trips, including going to Yellowstone National Park, San Francisco and Sturgis, S.D. She spent many hours "hanging out" with her nieces and nephew and often went to the movies. She also had a special place in her life for her dogs, Lilly and Toby. Kristi battled depression for many years but kept a positive attitude and cherished the love of her family. She touched many people with her gifts of teaching and music. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Kristi is survived by her boyfriend, Mel Fredricksen of Moorhead; one sister, Julie (William) Robinson of Fargo; one brother, Craig Garden of Burnsville, Minn.; nephew and nieces, Thomas, Grace and Maddie Robinson, all of Fargo; and her beloved dogs, Lilly and Toby. She also is survived by several aunts and uncles, as well as many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct.14, 2012, at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, 3600 25th St. S, Fargo. A time of gathering was from 2 to 3 p.m. at the church.

Inurnment was in St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.