grave import

Obituary

Patricia Ann Gabriel Christensen, 74, of Burlington, died at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Great River-Klein Center, following an extended illness from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Born on May 5, 1935, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Roy and Marjorie Gilland Gabriel. On July 26, 1953, she married Ralph Charles Christensen in Burlington. He died January 18, 1995. She was a 1953 graduate of Burlington High School, and attended Southeastern Community College. She worked as a CNA at Mercy Hospital and St. Francis Nursing Home, and was also a C.P.P. at Burlington Medical Center. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Mississippi Gals & Guys, the Lupus Association, and was a past president of the Navy Mothers. She enjoyed reading, cross-stitch, and loved and cherished her time with all of her children. Survivors include two sons, Daniel (Yolanda Huff) Christensen of California, MD and Douglas (Lori Delgado) Christensen of Mediapolis; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; foster son Dean Salisbury of Burlington; son-in-law Jim Howard of Burlington; daughter-in-law Patty Christenson of Burlington; brother Richard L. Gabriel of Indianola, 24 foster children; aunt Juanita Gilland Davison of Tucson, AZ; nieces and nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one daughter Lucinda Christensen Howard. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Christensen will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 15th in St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. The Rev. Father Bruce DeRammelaere and Deacon Bob Gengenbacher will be the celebrants. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14th in Lunning Chapel with the family to receive friends following the recitation of the Rosary at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for a trust to go towards the care and education of her granddaughter, Krista Lynn, who has William Syndrome.