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Eileen Christensen-Fortino Obituary
East Lansing
Eileen Christensen-Fortino of East Lansing, Michigan passed away April 11, 2014 at the age of 88. Eileen was born February 14, 1926 in Lansing, Michigan. She attended Resurrection High School and graduated from St. Lawrence Mercy School of Nursing in 1947. Eileen was a lifelong resident of the Lansing area. She was also a dedicated parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
Eileen was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenard Christensen (1989); son, Thomas Christensen (2010); and daughter, Kathleen Christensen (2004). She was also preceded by her husband, Dr. Mario S. Fortino (2012).
Surviving to cherish her memory are her four children: Mary Jo (F. Douglas) Stacks, Dr. David (Kate) Christensen, Jan (Christopher) LaRose, and Joni (Michael) Christensen-Burgess; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Christensen; dear friend and caregiver, Rhonda Carberry; thirteen grandchildren; and fifteen great grandchildren. Also surviving Eileen are her siblings, Mrs. Mae Hostetler, Dr. Joseph (Marilyn) McMahon, and Mr. James McMahon; the children of her husband, Dr. Fortino, Dr. Linda (Mark Greenstone) Fortino, Nancy (Eric) Bates, Robert (Jodi) Fortino, and Susan (Jeffrey Brown) Fortino; and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Mark J. Inglot at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, Michigan; a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 14, 2014, with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Christensen-Fortino
April 27, 2014
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Christensen. Many fond memories of her from my childhood. Always admired her style and sophistication. My heart goes out to the Christensen-Fortino family especially my friend Joni. Mrs. C such a lovely lady will miss her.
Blessings
Margit Furseth Onufer
Arlene MacDonald
April 16, 2014
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." -Helen Keller
Joni, sending thoughts and prayers to you and your Family.
Kristie Ray-Keltie
April 15, 2014
Rob and family, sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Chris Martinez
April 14, 2014
Joni, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Duane Bone
April 14, 2014
We send our blessings to Eileen's family. We enjoyed our friendship with Eileen and family for many years. Our wonderful memories of Eileen will be with us always. God bless.
Duane and Georgia Bone and family
April 13, 2014
Blessings to Christensen and McMahon families..unable to be there as I'm in Florida.
April 13, 2014
Dear Eileen's family, This is Betsy Bowers, a long time neighbor of Eileen's at Burcham's until she moved to her daughter's. I was grateful that Rhonda stopped by here at Burcham Friday morning to tell me about Eileen's passing that morning. Rhonda and I became good friends in our closeness to Eileen. I was grateful to have gotten to know Eileen and spent much time with her, and missed her when she moved. My oldest son david and Mary Jo are OHS school friends, and middle son Mike was a friend of Tom's. She certainly has many many relatives and friends who will miss her. But, she surely had a long busy life. Sending love, hugs and God's blessings to the whole family. Lovingly, Betsy Bowers
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Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
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