Dr. Christiana Maia Matthews

December 9, 1970 – November 8, 2025

Dr. Christiana Maia Matthews lived her life like a favorite song — full of soul, adventure, and joy. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 9, 1970, she passed away peacefully in Seattle, Washington, on November 8, 2025, just shy of her 55th birthday.

Raised in New Orleans, Christiana absorbed the heartbeat of the city — its music, its warmth, and its love of good food shared in good company. That rhythm became the soundtrack of her life, carrying her through years spent in San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Long Beach, Manchester (UK), and ultimately Seattle, where she met her husband and favorite duet partner, Dave Matthews. The two married on January 18, 2014, beginning an adventure that spanned continents — from Barcelona and Pantelleria to Florence, Paris, Cannes, Maui, Tahiti, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Wherever they went, they found rhythm, laughter, and often a karaoke-worthy road trip along the way.

Before following her calling to healthcare, Christiana built her first career in the restaurant world, helping open Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen locations across the country. She led both the front and back of the house with confidence, humor, and that unmistakable ability to make anyone feel like family. On her way to becoming a general manager, she discovered a new purpose — to help others heal — and followed it fearlessly.

Christiana earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West in 2008 after studying Nutrition and Business at Life University and Business at the University of Houston. She founded Trilogy Chiropractic in 2009 and later Bulldog Medical Billing, empowering holistic healthcare providers to thrive. Her work reflected her belief that health is alignment — not only of the spine, but of body, mind, and heart.

Outside her practice, Christiana gave endlessly to others — especially those without a voice. A lifelong animal lover, she was a passionate advocate for rescue and rehabilitation. She supported organizations like Save A Fox, a Minnesota-based sanctuary for foxes rescued from fur farms, and Marvellous Menagerie, which provides care for exotic animals in need. Locally, she volunteered her time on the Kenmore Planning Committee and with the Small Business Association, mentoring women entrepreneurs and professionals. Her compassion was boundless — from the patients she adjusted to the animals she helped save.

And through it all, there was music. Christiana had an encyclopedic love of it — from the brass bands of New Orleans to the soul of Etta James and Nina Simone, the rock of Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, and Goo Goo Dolls, the electronic pulse of Daft Punk, and the dance-floor joy of Pitbull, P!nk, Usher, and Justin Timberlake. She adored the storytelling of Colin Hay, the earthy tones of Alabama Shakes, the Latin beats of the Gypsy Kings, and somehow — truly — knew every song ever written. On long drives, she and Dave turned the car into their own concert hall, singing with abandon, laughter, and harmony. Music wasn’t just something she loved — it was how she lived: with rhythm, connection, and joy.

She was a lover of seafood (especially Creole dishes like crawfish and oysters), a connoisseur of champagne, and a loyal devotee of tequila. Her Shiba Inus, Eve and Elton, were her pride and joy; Eve preceded her in passing, while Elton survives her and continues to reign as the household king — exactly as she intended.

Christiana is survived by her husband, Dave Matthews; her mother, Jean Maia; her eight siblings; her two stepsons; and her beloved Elton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Save A Fox

or Marvellous Menagerie

— two causes close to her heart.

To know Christiana was to feel the music of life itself — bold, soulful, unpredictable, and full of love. Her rhythm carries on in every laugh, every song sung too loud on a long drive, and every act of kindness done in her name.