Marie Jean Christensen Mathern passed away in Puyallup, Washington on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, just two days after her 88th birthday. Born in Lewistown, Montana on April 12, 1927 to Andrew Christensen and Pearl Irene (Olsen) Christensen, Marie was the eldest of five children. She grew up in Montana and graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City in 1945. Over the years Marie worked as a telephone switchboard operator and did secretarial and office work. Her primary profession was as a gracious neighbor and loving wife and mother. She was the homemaker who made everyone feel at home. On June 24, 1950 Marie married the love of her life, Joseph Mathern. In 1956, they moved to Colorado Springs, CO where she would live until age 81. Joe & Marie had two daughters, Judy Rene’ & Tana Rae. In 1975, after 24 years of marriage, cancer took Joe at the young age of 49. Both of Marie’s daughters eventually moved to the Pacific Northwest where she visited them often over the years. In 2005 Marie lost her youngest daughter, Tana, who suffered from a rare blood condition. Marie loved living alongside the beautiful Colorado Rockies in the shadow of Pikes Peak. She enjoyed hiking and was an avid walker. She enjoyed volunteering and helped at a number of local charities and at her church. She had a contagious giggle and would often get everyone in a room chuckling along with her. She loved dancing, anything pink, and spending time with family & friends.
In 2008 a massive stroke left Marie partially paralyzed and dependent on others for daily care. She moved into assisted living in Puyallup, Washington to live near her daughter, Judy. Her caregivers quickly gave her the nickname “Sweet Marie”. She was a favorite among the staff there and in the medical facility where she spent her last weeks of life. Marie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister & aunt. She had a special love for her great-grandchildren. Her face would light up when they came to visit and she was delighted to know another greatgrandchild would join her family this October.
Marie is survived by her daughter Judy Kent (Roy), two grandchildren, Justin Kent (Nicole) and Kristen Schmidt (Thomas), two great grandchildren, Austin & Elle, two brothers Andrew J. Christensen (Sally) & Paul Christensen (Jeanette), her sister, Dolores Hainer (Bill) and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Marie is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Mathern in 1975, her daughter, Tana Mathern in 2005, and her sister, Evelyn Haun in 2005.
Memorial donations may be given to either of Marie’s church families that she cherished: Light of the Hill UMC, 11304 – 136th Street E, Puyallup, WA 98374 or to Faith Lutheran Church, 315 Security Blvd., Security, CO 80911 or to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Saturday June 27, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
Frontage Road
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Saturday June 27, 2015
Forsyth Cemetery
Frontage Road
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Joe and Sandra Konkright says
Out thoughts and prayers are with you. The Christensen family
are a wonderful product of Montana and highly respected.
May she rest in peace.