Visitation: March 25, 2019
Description:
Lorraine Marie Rose Christensen (nee Martin), age 89, joined her Lord and Savior, her blessed Virgin Mary and preciously loved husband on March 21, 2019. Mom was deeply religious and said so many daily rosaries for both her living and deceased loved ones. Her faith never wavered despite lifelong challenges from polio and so many other illnesses. Instead, it strengthened her resolve that God loved her and was with her always. That faith was demonstrated in how she cared for her family (especially her husband Elroy, sister Eileen, brother Don and mother-in-law Helen C in her final stages) despite physical challenges. That lived in the amazing care that she gave all of us and passed onto her dearest caregiver, cheerleader and advocate, daughter Karen. Mom loved flowers and Donna/Jim carried on Dad’s tradition of giving her flowers regularly from Dad. Mom displayed her love through food, which really cured everything, and lives on in Donna’s Christmas cookie-giving tradition. Mom’s legacy to the world was her precious grandchildren, whom helped give her life purpose and meaning by constantly tracking their whereabouts to make sure they were safe and dressed right for the weather. Now truly, the curly, brown-haired tall girl is dancing with her forever so poignantly special love, Dad. Mom continued to live 21 years passed Dad’s death due to the love of her children, sister, grandchildren, priests, Deacon Dorgan, friends and caregivers and we thank everyone for this gift of mischievous, dessert-loving Mom. She is preceded in death by her husband Elroy Joseph, parents Peter and Beatrice, sister Annette, brother Donald (Katherine), several grandchildren, brothers-in-law Joseph Yankee and Fr. Lawrence, and nephews Dr. Tom (Chris) and Michael and her cherished aunts and uncles, especially Lillian and Leon. She is survived by her sister Eileen Yankee and brother-in-law Sam (Claire), son James (Sandy), daughters Karen, Diane Schultz (Dennis), and Donna Sutcliffe (Scott). She was so loved by her grandchildren Katie Heitman (Matt), Dr. Jay (Megan), Becky Sutcliffe (Richard), Annette Sutcliffe, great grandson Caleb and great granddaughter Makena and many extended family including Val and Kathy. She was cherished by her nephew godson David (Susan), nieces Joanna Deane, Laura Devitt (Patrick), great-nephew and nieces, cousins Jackie, Sharon, and Sandy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities. Please remember to say a Hail Mary, one for Mom and one for someone whom needs it. Visitation services Gibbons Funeral home 5917 W. Irving Park Road time March 25, 2019 from 3:00 until 8:00 PM, Chicago; funeral at St. Pascal’s Church 6199 W. Irving Park Road, March 26, 2019 at 10:00 AM. She will be laid to rest at All Saints Cemetery on Tuesday, March, 26, 2019.
