It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Elizabeth Christensen, age 89, announces the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and dear friend on Monday, December 24, 2018 at The Oaks Legacy Assisted Living in Battle Creek, MI.
She was born April 9, 1929 in Martindale, PA the daughter of Andrew Graham and Mary (Lang) Graham.
She taught in the Springfield elementary school for 20 years and then in professional development at CISD (Calhoun Intermediate School District), she finally retired in 1985.
She married Donald Christensen on January 22, 1950 in Grosse Pointe, MI; Donald died in 2005.
She moved from Pennsylvania in 1931 to Grosse Pointe Shores, and grew up in Grosse Pointe Shores. They moved to Battle Creek in 1950. She received her college education from Western Michigan University, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Master’s degree in Counseling
She was a member of the MEA, Springfield Educational Association; she formerly belonged to Redemption Lutheran and a church in Florida. She was on the board of directors for Lakes of the North in Mancelona, MI
She was an excellent golfer, reader and enjoyed traveling throughout the world and several European cruises, traveling the US visiting family. She enjoyed camping with family and then extended family was eventually part of the camping experience.
She loved playing Bridge and belonged to a ballroom dance club with her husband. She was beginning to write background stories of the entire family.
She is survived by: three sons: Dennis J. & Merle Tyroler-Christensen of Charleston, So Carolina; Dr. Bruce A. & Linda Christensen, DO of Battle Creek, MI; Kenneth E. & Kimberly Christensen of Augora, CA; two daughters; Janice K. & Jeffrey Otto of Battle Creek, MI; daughter Diane L. & Herbert” Bernie” Mills of Battle Creek, MI; a brother: George Graham of Saint Clair Shores, MI; twelve(I count 13???) grandchildren: Brian Otto, Amanda Crovitz, Brandon Mills, Jenna Hoffman; Lindsay Christensen, Kevin Christensen, Kyle Christensen, Kara Christensen, Erika Christensen, Daniel Christensen, Mike Christensen, and Kaitlin Christensen; six great grandchildren: Alexandra "Ali" Otto, William Otto, Natalie Hoffman, Madalynn Hoffman, Ellison Hoffman, and Micheal Cook.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Donald Christensen, three sisters: Josephine Graham, Virginia Guaresimo, Rosemary Liem; and five brothers: Joseph, John, Eugene, Andrew, and Michael Graham
There will be no visitation or ceremony at this time. Committal of her cremated remains along with her husband’s will be in the summer of 2019 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 1911 West Centre Avenue # 1, Portage, MI 49024 or Alzheimer’s Diseases. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 Please leave a remembrance for the family on Elizabeth’s webpage www.bachmanhebble.com