Renate Christensen

Renate (Rennie) Aschaffenburg Christensen, age 83, died Friday, November 30, 2012, in her home surrounded by her children. Rennie lived in Sherborn for 36 years, moved to Holliston in 2000, and was a Summer resident of Wareham, MA. She was the wife of the late Robert N. Christensen, Sr., to whom she was married for 57 years. Rennie was born in Essen, Germany, the daughter of William and Margarete (Herz) Aschaffenburg. Rennie graduated from Connecticut College in 1951, where she made many dear, life-long friends. Rennie, along with her husband, established the EN-R-GY Saver, Inc. in 1977, and worked there for many years. She was a friend to many, and touched countless lives. On any given day, one might find her knitting for soldiers and babies, crocheting blankets for family, hosting a family reunion or women's retreat in her home, doing a puzzle, reading the latest novel, traveling, cheering for the Red Sox, laughing at her own sense of humor, or calling one of her many friends to brighten their day. Her thoughtful, intuitive, and generous ways touched many people throughout her life. Rennie was an active member since 1954 of the Hartford Street Presbyterian Church, holding many leadership positions, and enjoying singing with the choir for 25 years. She was the proud mother of four children. She was devoted to her family and cherished the frequent gatherings that they shared throughout the years. As a Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, and Friend, she will be sorely missed. She is survived by her children: Bob and Linda Christensen of Holliston; Barbara Christensen of Ashland; Donna and Roger Dearth of Keene, NH, and Linda and Bill Wright of West Hartford, CT. She also leaves 7 grandchildren: Paul and Mark Christensen, Amy and Megan Dearth, and Allison, Jack, and Natalie Wright. She is also survived by her sister, Edith Wilhelm, of Granby, CT. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 3-5p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. (Rt. 16) www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com. A celebration of Rennie's life will take place on Monday, December 3rd at 11:00a.m. at Hartford Street Presbyterian Church (99 Hartford St, Natick, MA 01760. Donations may be made to Hartford Street Presbyterian Church or to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 20 Batterson Park Rd, Farmington, CT 06032). The family thanks friends, family, and the hospice staff for their support.