Obituaries

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Nancy Christiansen

October 23, 1939 - March 21, 2018

Life Legacy

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. 

 

Nancy Jane Christiansen

Born October 23rd, 1939

 

Nancy Jane Christiansen went to be with the Lord on March 21st, 2018.

She was born in Westerley, Rhode Island to Willie Hillmer and Helen Knight.  The family later moved to Maine, then Florida, and then at an early age they moved to South Pasadena, California, where she grew up …loving the Dodgers.  She did not know at the time that fate would bring her to live in Northern California and fall in love with a Giants fan.  Fortunately, she converted to the orange and black and a long and happy marriage was made possible.

Nancy attended Pasadena City College and then earned her BA degree at U.C. Santa Barbara.  She taught Physical Education and Dance at Mt Eden High School from 1962 to 1965 during which time she met the athletic, handsome and charming Don Christiansen.  Nancy and Don were married in South Pasadena in 1965 and celebrated 52 years together this past June 2017.

From Mt. Eden High Nancy moved to Pleasant Hill High School, where she taught until it closed, and finally moved to Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, where she taught modern dance and Physical Education until her retirement in 1993.

Mom loved traveling with her family and friends during summer vacations, in the RV.  There were many wonderful trips to Somar, to Maine, to National Parks, and monuments in the United States, as well as trips to Canada and Mexico.   The kids slept outside in tents or under the stars, and the memories are forever lasting. Marv and Marlene Rodriques, and their family, were frequent travel companions, as were Ron and Rita Holiday, Frankie and Corky Fuentes, and their families. There were frequent trips over the years to their Papakea time share on Maui, often with Ron and Rita Holiday.

One highlight of Nancy & Don’s travels was a 2016 trip to Israel led by Pastor Don Ott, along with 33 friends from their church. It was the trip of a lifetime and something they have talked about often.

Nancy is loved dearly by her three daughters; Julie Allizadeh, Lesley Christiansen, and Debbie Freilicher.  She is also survived by her son in laws: Jim Allizadeh and Barry Freilicher. She was a devoted Grandmother who spoiled each of her six grandchildren whenever possible.  She loved traveling to Riverside or Santa Rosa, or to New York (or anywhere close to a shopping mall), to visit Camille, Christian, Danny, Miles, Sara and Alex. When the grandkids were little and all lived close by, she loved to have the whole family at the house for Christmas and holidays.  Great family photos were taken, many hans- ska levas were sung, and great memories were made that will be with us forever.

Nancy had a passion for her church family and her 20-year involvement with the Women’s Ministry was something dear to her heart.  She was a tireless and compassionate leader and was involved in the Women’s Retreats, in Fundraising Events, Coffee Talk and Girls Night Out.  She often served as Greeter and looked forward to her weekly Bible Study.

Nancy was full of energy, full of life and full of love. She loved sports, chocolate, shopping…. and she loved her family. She was always fun to be with, and she was a great listener. Nancy was the very BEST wife, mother, grandmother and friend. The impact she had on their lives is immeasurable, and through her inspiration and example, her daughters will be better moms, wives and eventually grandmothers.

We love love love her and will miss her so much.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday March 26th, 2pm at CV First Baptist Church, 18550 Redwood Road in Castro Valley, CA. Mom’s favorite color is blue. Feel free to wear it in her honor. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or CV First Women’s Ministry.

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Grissom's Crematory, Inc.

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San Lorenzo, CA 94580