Kristina Mercedes Oxholm, 60, passed away on May 8th, 2021 in Canton, New York.
Kristy was born March 22nd, 1961 in Randolph, Vermont to Thelma K. (Herrin) Oxholm and John M. Oxholm. After living briefly in Denver, CO, she spent the rest of her life in Vermont. She graduated from Vergennes Union HIgh School in 1979. After receiving her Associates Degree from Champlain College in 1981, she went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Culver-Stockton College in 1983. Throughout her life, she had many interests, including theatre, skiing, scuba diving, and travelling.
Kristy dedicated a significant part of her life to public service. She served as a page in the Vermont state legislature and volunteered on the Bolton Valley Ski Patrol as a teenager. She volunteered for the Charlotte Rescue Squad as an Emergency Medical Technician, and served on the Vermont State Hazardous Materials Response Team. She was a dispatcher for multiple area police departments, worked at General Electric, Vermont Gas, and most recently at Michels Corporation, as a Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator.
One of the most important parts of Kristy’s life was her dedication to being a firefighter. She volunteered at both the Charlotte and Shelburne Fire Departments, and served as the Vermont State Firefighters’ Association President from 2008-2010. She was an instructor for the Vermont State Fire Academy, and truly loved working with her students there.
Kristy had so much love for her family and friends, and would always go out of her way to be there for others. She loved making Christmas and birthdays magical for her nieces and nephew.
Kristy is predeceased by her father, John Oxholm. She is survived by her mother, Kitty Oxholm of Vergennes, her brother, Scot Oxholm and his wife Rachel of Arlington, MA and daughter Margot, her brother Steve Oxholm and his wife Karen of Mequon, WI, and their children, Johanna, Trevor and Jacquelyn. Kristy was close to her Aunt Cindi and Uncle Fred Herrin of Pigeon, MI and their children Ryan and Tyler as well as many, many friends, especially the Fisher family.
A memorial service for Kristy will be held on Friday May 14th at 2 p.m. at Shelburne Field House at 166 Athletic Drive in Shelburne, with parking and transportation to the service available from the Shelburne Museum. Burial to follow at Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. COVID protocols will be in place, with space for social distancing, and we ask that attendees take proper precautions, according to CDC guidelines.
For those who cannot attend in person the funeral services will be recorded and available to watch on the following Tuesday, May 18th on the Brown-McClay Funeral Home Website which the video will be located on the bottom of the obituary. To send online condolences to her family or watch the video of the service please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
A fund is being established in Kristy’s name to recognize exemplary Vermont Fire Service students. Donations to this fund can be made to Vermont State Firefighters Association, C/O Robert Schlachter, VSFA Treasurer, 10 Rutland St., Rutland VT 05701. Alternately, since Kristy loved her cats, donations may be made in her name to Homeward Bound Animal Shelter, 236 Boardman St., Middlebury, VT 05753.
I remember Kristie from when she and I took our original first aid course together from her dad John in 1977. Kristie was 16. We were both on Vergennes Rescue with John and she joined Bolton Valley Ski Patrol with me too. John and Kristie were always Rescue!. The Bolton Valley Ski Patrol joins in with me to remember the Oxholm family.
Shocked and saddened to learn of Kristi’s death she was great person and it is a huge loss to Vermont to lose her. Worked with her on the VT State Hazmat Team she was a great teammate. Condolences to her surviving family.
Kristy you lived your lift to the fullest. You always had a smile on your face and a joke or two to share. In your young life you taught so many. I am in awe. I only hope to be half the person you were. Rest in peace my friend. Keep watch over your brother and sister fire fighters and your family as well. This is not good by but see you later.
It is with sadness that I have learned of Kristie’s passing. She was the older sister to one of my boyhood friends. I many memories of Kristie growing up with and going to school with the Oxholm family. I know her spirit is not forgotten by all who had the fortune to meet and know her as the wonderful person she was. To the Oxholm family, Ms. Oxholm, Steve and Scott my thoughts and prayers to all of you in this time of sadness. Please accept my condolences during this time of loss and the missing of a daughter and sister. May peace in time find all of you with the belief and knowledge that she is still with you and will not be forgotten in your heart and minds. All of my very best to you all
Ben
I am so sad to hear that Kristie has passed. She was a pleasure to work with. My sincere condolences are with you.
Kitty, i was devastated to hear of Kristie’s passing. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through. I am also sorry that we missed the funeral. We are in Maine for most of the Summer and I was unaware that something had been planned. Bruce and I would definitely have been there. Bruce remembers working with your daughter when he was in Middlebury and of course at Bolton Valley. I am still working these days and part of the job is to cover the Legislature. its different looking from the outside in. But i remember the times we spent in the State House. Hope we can reconnect again. Please know we are thinking of you and your family. All our Love,
Pat and Bruce