Helen Christy Wells

Helen Christy Wells, longtime resident of Highlands, NC, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 7, 2023. She was 80. She was born to Eleanor Virginia (Sellers) Wells and John D. Wells Jr. in Buffalo, New York, on February 19, 1943. She attended North High School in Springfield, Ohio, before matriculating at Urbana College, where she earned an associate degree. In 1967, she married Victor Frederiksen, with whom she was happily married for almost 40 years, and had two children: Jon Paulding Frederiksen (Atlanta) and David William Frederiksen (Wilmington, NC).

A bon vivant from start to finish, "Christy," as she was known to friends and family, loved good food, socializing and beautiful surroundings. At just over five feet tall with red hair and a spring in her step, Christy was well-known around Highlands and neighboring towns, having worked during her 18 years in Highlands at various shops and stores, most recently Mountain Paws.

Among Christy's many wonderful traits were love, compassion, humor and inclusivity. She loved everyone she met, accepting them wherever they were in life. On several occasions she opened her home to complete strangers. Weekdays around three o'clock Christy could be found at Highland's Mountain Fresh holding court with a gathering of dear friends.

Christy was also a doting grandmother to three grandchildren: Olivia, 20, Zoe, 15, and Evie, 10, of Wilmington. Of the things they recall most about their grandmother, whom they affectionately called "Kiki," they would undoubtedly say her cackling laughter and her daily mantra: Clear my path, Clear my way, Let me see the magic of this day!

Christy is survived by her two aforementioned sons, daughter-in-law Julie (Lane) Frederiksen, former husband the Rev. Canon Victor Frederiksen III, sister-in-law Sharon (Schneider) Wells and nieces Heather Gaskins and Shannon Tuggle and families. She was predeceased by her brother John Dennis Wells III.

A memorial service will be hosted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Wells family.