CHRISTENSEN, Jean Blanche
CHRISTENSEN, Jean Blanche
It is with sadness that we announce that Jean Christensen (nee Mactavish) of Strathmore, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 years on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Jean was born in 1921 at her family farm in Acadia Valley, Alberta. She attended Normal School in Edmonton and moved to Carseland, Alberta in 1946 to teach elementary school. There she lived with fellow teacher Ivy Podmoroff (Sanders) in the teacherage which was a one-room shack located on the school grounds. In 1951, Jean married Martin Christensen and they moved to a farm northeast of Carseland. Jean retired from full time teaching and settled down to become a farm wife while continuing to sub for many years. She had two sons Don, born in 1954, and Bruce, born in 1957. She greatly enjoyed her life on the farm and was involved with the usual activities in a rural area – 4H, Home and School, church and school activities with the boys. She also hosted many family dinners on Sunday afternoons. Jean loved to play cards, was in a Bridge group for many years, and later enjoyed her times with the Carseland Jet Setters Club. In 1979, Martin and Jean built a new house in Carseland and adjusted to town life. Jean loved visiting with her neighbours and spending time with her grandchildren after school. In 1987 Martin passed away, and after 11 years, Jean moved to Lambert Village in Strathmore in 1998. After Martin passed away, Jean enjoyed travelling and visited many places around the globe. She loved her family and friends dearly and treasured every moment she spent with them. Jean was predeceased by her husband Martin in 1987 and her brothers Duncan and Angus. She is lovingly remembered by her sons Don (Linda) and their children Jessica (Ross) and Dustin; Bruce (Lori) and their children Bradley (Amanda) and Sarah; and her precious great-grandchildren Carter, Connor, and Loralei. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at Hope Community Covenant Church, Strathmore at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Strathmore Hospital (200 Brent Blvd., Strathmore, AB, T1P 1J9). To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca