Dr. Christy J. Falba

Dr. Christy J. Falba, 61, formerly of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Friday evening, April 2, 2010. Born on February 26, 1949 in Great Falls, Montana; she is the daughter of Clifton and Phyllis Torgerson Monson, of Las Vegas, NV.

Christy died after a courageous struggle with a recurrence of ovarian cancer. She spent two weeks at home under hospice care from Hospice of Wake County with her loving family and dear friends at her side.

She is survived by her husband: Mickey Falba, of Raleigh; daughters: Gina Falba, of Raleigh and Tracy Falba and husband Patrick Bayer, of Durham; grandchildren: Nicholas, Noah and Evan Bayer; brothers: James Monson and wife Denny, of Elko, NV, Alan Monson and wife Shelly, of Boulder City, NV and Steven Monson and wife Vickie, of Ogden, Utah; and by her best friend and "sister at heart": Terri Zelenak. She is also survived by her two sisters-in-law, Barbara Falba Chapman and Linda Falba McSweeney, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Christy was Senior Director for the Wake County School District. She and her husband, Mickey, moved to Raleigh in 2006 to be closer to their daughters and grandsons. Prior to this she held a number of positions in education administration in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV.

Christy and Mickey were married for over 41 years. Married in 1968, Christy spent the early years of their marriage as a homemaker and mother. She was a gifted artist who painted a great deal during this time. Many family friends remember her transforming her artistic talents into wonderful baking, crafts, school murals, and church banners.

In 1979, Christy volunteered her time as a teacher’s aide with her daughter’s 2nd grade teacher, Terri Zelenak, and developed a life-long friendship. She also discovered her passion for education. Inspired, Christy completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught both lower and upper elementary grades over the next twelve years. She earned her Masters degree while working as a teacher, and ultimately earned a doctorate in education. She graduated with her doctorate in 1998 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on the same day that her daughter Gina graduated from University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor degree in art. In 2002, she was honored as UNLV’s College of Education Alumna of the year.

Christy’s dissertation was on the Integration of Technology in Teacher Education. She was a pioneer in this area. Christy applied her academic expertise in several professional settings, as an instructor, director, team leader, and mentor. She will be remembered for her vision, insight, and unwavering devotion to education. Her contributions to the children, schools, and teachers of both Wake and Clark counties leave behind an amazing legacy.

Above all, Christy had a contagious positive energy about her. She led a wonderfully balanced life always making time for family and enjoying her numerous friendships. Among many hobbies, Christy was an avid hiker and kayaker.

Her family wishes to express gratitude to Hospice of Wake County for their comforting support during this difficult time. They would also like to express their appreciation for the generosity and kindness shown by her extended WCPSS family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Wake County.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 12th at 5:30pm at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Leesville Road in Raleigh. A reception will follow at the church.

A memorial service will also be held in Las Vegas, NV this summer.