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Christina Riveland Obituary
Christina (Lerch) Riveland was born on November 4, 1934, in Frankfurt, Germany, and died June 30, 2020, in Shoreline, WA, her home for more than 60 years.
In her early twenties she met her future husband, Dale, while working at a bank in Copenhagen. In 1957 they married and moved to Richmond Beach, where they raised four children. After the children were grown, she returned to study at Seattle Pacific University and Central Washington University to earn her Master's degree in education.
An outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, neighbor, parishioner, and friend, Christina gave generously of her time, attention, wisdom, recipes, and snacks.
She was brilliant, clever, curious, creative, deeply read, and conversant in many subjects. A legendary cook, baker, and hostess, she also loved language, music, literature, art, and history.
Christina valued kindness, fairness, and inclusivity. She knew how to improvise, befriend a stranger, welcome a shy person into a group, ask questions, assert herself, and stick up for the underdog. These qualities endeared her to her students at Rainier Beach High School, where she taught Home Economics.
She spent her final years at Richmond Beach Rehab, a veritable United Nations, where she not only learned the name of each person who assisted her, but also learned to say "hello" and "thank you" in Amharic, Tigrinya, Yoruba, Urdu, Mandarin, Tagalog, Somali, Akan, Italian, French, & Spanish.
Christina was preceded in death by her husband Dale, brother Wolfgang; and grandson Benny. She is survived by her son Bruce (Robin), daughters Sonja (George), Sylvia, and Lisa (David); grandchildren Logan, Reidar, Arlee, and Maia; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Remembrances to the First Lutheran Richmond Beach Youth Program are welcomed.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
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Guest Book at www.Legacy.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Christina Riveland
Sponsored by The Family.
Sylvia Pugh
July 7, 2023
We just talked about Chris. We are going to Europe in a month and I was remembering years ago on one of my first trips, she put me in touch with her brother and wife. So we went to see them and had a visit. She also was friends with my Mom. Miss you Chris, Wish you could meet my new friend. Love Sylvia Pugh
Eric Larson
July 6, 2021
I still think of Chris - missing the chats we had over the years including her last years, her great love of cooking and books and the keen intelligence and wit she shared with me over many years. I do think she achieved a sense of closure and appreciation for the good life she experienced - characterized by lots of love and resilience even in the face of tragedies. I was sorry she had to be so alone during COVID
Roxanne Trees
July 20, 2020
My sympathy to your family. I first met Chris when she came to my Ingraham H. S. Home Economics class to do a job shadow to determine if she wanted to go back to Seattle Pacific to update her teaching credential. Thankfully, she pursued it, got hired in Seattle schools and we stayed in touch and met frequently at trainings until she left teaching. I will always remember her determination, the sparkle in her eye, the 'all knowing' wisdom of her life experiences, her infectious laugh, and the common interest in Germany and Europe we shared, both having lived there. Chris brought a diverse viewpoint as a teacher, colleague, and friend -- one that added to my world view. I still recall her early experiences in post war Europe. Chris was 'one of a kind'. She will be missed. May peace be her journey.
Roxanne Trees
Sylvia Pugh
July 18, 2020
Chris was a wonderful person that I really wish I had spent more time visiting with. We always had fun and interesting conversations. Some how after my husband got sick and died and I moved, my life changed. I totally miss just knowing she isn't where I last saw her. Knowing she is with our Lord and Dale is so good.
Mel and I enjoyed a visit with Wolfgang and his wife in Germany years ago. I am sorry he is gone too.
My prays go with you all as you grieve your Mom. Thanks be to God for her rich memories and love. With my love and prayers - Sylvia Pugh
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Geri Johnson
July 17, 2020
Chris was a wonderful neighbor. I am sadden about her loss. I have missed our visits the last several years, with her not being in the family house.The special memories of our wonderful visits we have had will stay in my heart. Chris will always be apart of my family.
Marilee jensen
July 14, 2020
Christina had a special place in my heart. For several years I took care of her at Richmond Beach where I was a nurse Practitioner. She was an inspiration and always smiling despite her pain. May her spirit be with the angels. My deepest condolences to her family. Marilee Jensen.
Eric Larson
July 14, 2020
Chris and Dale were dear friends for many years - gardening together with Dale, long conversations with both and visits to the Riveland family events. We had such a special relationship. When Dale passed away, I enjoyed many visits (and cookies and other goodies) with Chris at their gorgeous and beloved home. After that it was frequent visits with Chris in her room and on phone and e-mails. Recipes, book suggestions and most valuable just talking with each other. Chris had so many talents, so much kindness and caring and never failed to delight me with great conversations. I already miss her tremendously and extend my condolences to the entire Riveland clan - - I share your sadness at her passing. It was her time and I respected her choices.
Warmest love and caring
Eric Larson
Sonja Sweeten
July 14, 2020
Your mom was like a second mom to me growing up. She was a welcoming, stable and soft place for me to fall as a struggling kid without much stability. I will always be thankful for her influence and kindness she showed to me. Smart, funny, generous and kind are just a few words that will never come close to describing what a wonderful person she was. Hugs to all.
Gigi Johnston
July 12, 2020
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Riveland growing up, spending the night at their house, going to Sequim in the summer, and eating her wonderful food. She was a special human being, welcoming to all, and one of the most real, genuine people I have ever known. She was fun, had a great sense of humor, and was loved by everyone who came in contact with her. This world will miss her, but she is where she no doubt wanted to be, resting in peace. Love to the whole Riveland family.
John Thielke
July 12, 2020
Chris was a long time contributor to the Richmond Beach Community News when I served as editor. She provided many interesting articles about her life in Germany during and after WWII and her experiences after arriving in Richmond Beach. It was such a pleasure to know her and to enjoy the stories she had to tell. We will miss her many contributions to the entire community.
Catherine Thomas
July 12, 2020
So many memories of times with Chris - she was one of the first to be interested in Stephen Ministries and she and Dale were in the first training class. We all learned alot through Chris' experiences and sharing. It was always delightful to chat "kitchen" and update family stories. How she loved her family! She has left the world a better place and now she is reunited with her dear loved ones. Peace, hugs and prayers to you all!
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