Charleene Riva Frazier

Charleene Alfreda Riva (Koch) Frazier entered her eternal rest surrounded by family at home in Palmyra, Virginia on June 18, 2024.  She was born April 27, 1938, to Alfred Antonio Riva and Ellen Jeffries Riva in Salinas, California, a forty-mile journey from Greenfield, California, where the family made their home.  She grew up on farms in the area with older brother Harold Jeffries Riva and younger brother Ralph Darwin Riva.  Charleene particularly enjoyed farm life and was often found out in the fields helping her father including learning to drive a tractor at age 6.  The family lived in a modest Quonset hut; the household included her paternal grandfather, maternal grandmother, and maternal uncles at various times.  In her youth, she raised sheep and pigs through 4H for which she won numerous awards. 
Charleene graduated from King City High School in King City, California in 1956.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UCLA School of Nursing in 1960 – then one of the only bachelor’s degree nursing programs in the country.  She began her career as a Staff Nurse at the Center for Health Sciences in Los Angeles primarily working on med/surg wards.  Out of a desire to effect change in the nursing profession, she pursued a Master of Science in Nursing Education from UCLA School of Nursing in 1964.  She began her teaching career as a Professorial Lecturer at California State College in Los Angeles.  She joined the faculty of Georgetown University School of Nursing in Washington, DC, in 1965, serving as an Assistant Professor for eight years and later returned as a Clinical Instructor in the Division of Continuing Education for four years.  She also served as a Nursing Instructor for two years at George Mason University Department of Nursing in Fairfax, Virginia.
In 1989, Charleene joined the staff of Medical Illness Counseling Center (MICC) in Chevy Chase, Maryland, serving as the Center’s coordinator for its spinal cord injury program.  This role significantly influenced the remaining 25 years of her nursing career.  While at MICC, she worked with REGYS and ERGYS which were at the time new technology providing electro-stimulation to the muscles of para and quadriplegic patients allowing them to cycle on stationary bicycles to reduce muscle atrophy and maintain other organ structures.  In addition to educating on and promoting the use of this technology amongst professionals nationwide, she inspired her patients with maps in her treatment room where the patients would track their miles on paths across the United States.
In December 1999, Charleene was recruited to serve as an information specialist with the National Spinal Cord Injury Association providing telephone support and printed information to spinal cord injury patients and their families around the world in addition to connecting them to resources near their homes. 
Charleene married Edward Graeme Koch in July 1962; in 1965, they moved to Arlington, Virginia where their four boys would grow up with Charleene supporting them in scouts, sports and church activities. Charleene and her sons joined Cherrydale United Methodist Church in 1975 and quickly became involved in church life.  Charleene taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, was active on church boards and councils, and especially Miriam Circle, her women’s group, where she formed many lifelong friendships.  She was active with the Northern Virginia Mothers of Twins Club and served as its president more than once.  She worked to establish a tri-state club and was active at the national level, too. 
Charleene married Douglass Henry Frazier in November 1982, whom she met in 1980 at church square dance for singles.  After that meeting, Doug located her again through the church secretary at Cherrydale UMC!  Doug had three daughters from his first marriage, growing the family to seven children.
In March 2006, after Doug retired, they moved to Lake Monticello in Palmyra, Virginia.  They custom built an accessible lakefront home.  They became active in the Lake Sociables group and joined Cunningham United Methodist Church.  There, Charleene served as Lay Leader with Doug, served on committees, participated in mission activities and projects, trained acolytes, and was involved in United Methodist Women (UMW).  She served as President of the church’s UMW and in District and State roles.  Charleene served with the local Meals on Wheels chapter and enjoyed packaging, delivering meals, and visiting with those they served.
Charleene enjoyed supporting and caring for her family and especially her grandchildren.  She even learned to text on a flip phone and eventually FaceTime on an iPhone so she could stay connected with them.  She treasured the gift of friendship, having a long list of friends, some for decades. Charleene enjoyed gardening and flowers; she was particularly fond of orchids and roses.  She was an excellent baker, treating her family to cakes, pies, and cookies made from scratch.  Many summers, she made jam which her family and friends enjoyed.  She and Doug relished spending time in nature and specifically liked watching the birds that would feast at their feeders on their deck at the Lake (except for the annoying black and blue birds which she would scare off!).  They liked traveling together, exploring North America and parts of Europe.
Charleene was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Doug Frazier, her brother Harold Riva, and her parents Alfred and Ellen Riva.
Charleene is lovingly remembered by her children: Darlene Frazier (Bob) Riddle, Angela Frazier, Edward (Matthew) Koch II, Marjorie Frazier (Johan) Hogne, Scott (Jennifer) Koch, Stephen (Terri) Koch, and Geoffrey (Dawn) Koch Sr.  
She is also lovingly remembered by 18 grandchildren: Robert (Ashley) Riddle, Rosanna Southern, Shawn Riddle, Geoffrey Koch II, Anna Koch, David (Dana) Koch, Rebekah Koch (Placide) Oyono, Ashley (Adam) Hogne, Ellen Koch (Gabe) Terrell, James Morrow, Amy Morrow (Mike) Radja Haba, Caleb Koch, Juliana (Maddy) Koch, Kyle Koch, Carly Koch, Haley Koch, Jeremiah Koch, and Lars Hogne, and four great-grandchildren.
Charleene is also remembered by her brother, Ralph (Laura Lee) Riva, sisters-in law Donna Riva, Jane Frazier Snead, Uli Frazier, and Mary Ann Frazier Browne, and a host of nieces and nephews and their families; three former daughters-in-law, Jeanne Harrison, Donna Koch, and Rachel Oldani, and a long list of lifelong friends, including her dear friend since first grade, Rose Ann Signorotti Zeppa.
The family wants to thank Dr. Karen Starr, Charleene’s primary care physician for the past 18 years, for her outstanding, compassionate, and personalized care she provided right to her last days; and the Martha Jefferson Hospital Cancer Center for their amazing care for Charleene for the past eight years.  The physicians and nurses there offered excellent care in a compassionate environment.  We also want to thank Bright Star Home Health Services of Charlottesville and Hospice of the Piedmont for all their support and care in Charleene’s final days.  Most importantly, we want to thank caregiver Renee Brown who cared for both Doug and Charleene in their final days.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia followed by a light reception where the family will greet guests.  Those unable to attend in person may view the service by clicking the link below.  Her burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be given to Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation designated for cancer support services (www.mjhfoundation.org) or Cunningham United Methodist Church designated for its building fund (www.cunninghamumc.org).
Services provided by Thacker Brothers Funeral Home – Scottsville.
Family and friends may share memories at www.thackerbrothers.com.

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