Joan Marie Christiansen

Joan Marie Christiansen peacefully passed in her sleep in her home on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, in Benicia, California. She was 86 years old. Her beloved husband of 68 years Richard Christiansen and first-born daughter Stephanie Christiansen were by her side.

Joan was a true student of life; from an early age she was an eager reader and good student. Always willing to learn and understand new things. Science fiction piqued her interest, but she had a love for books of all shapes and sizes, including architectural digest. Joan was not only lighthearted and fun, but was also a straight shooter and a boss, owning and operating several businesses throughout her long working career. She would retire from her store, Peterson's, located in her hometown of Petaluma, California after a 15 year run.

To those who knew Joan, she was one of a kind, she had a light, youthful spirit, and was full of grace, wit and humility. You couldn't help but linger a little longer in her warm glow. She was a curious person, a connecter to her core, she was on your side, and you felt welcome in her presence. She loved to laugh and was good at it, one of the best. She enjoyed music, Etta James and Patsy Cline being among her favorites. She was loyal and never seemed to miss an opportunity to show up for her people. She had great style and enjoyed art - visiting galleries, traveling the country, the world and even dabbling in her own artistic endeavors with a "nice cup of tea". Her masterpiece was her family. For Joan, family was everything and always came first.

She was a dedicated and involved wife and mother to three children; Stephanie, Sheri and youngest Ricky, who sadly passed at the age of 27 to cancer. Joan saw each of her kids and grand kids as unique individuals that she wouldn't hesitate to learn about, and she was proud of them. She seemed to find a way to effortlessly connect and make us feel special and seen in ways only she knew how. We are beyond fortunate to have had a Wife, Mother, Grandmother Great Grandmother and most of all, friend for all the sweet loving memories she created for us.

Joan is survived by her husband Richard, daughters Stephanie and Sheri, sister Evelyn and brother Paul (Marla), brother-in-law Neal, grandchildren Christopher and Leslie (Annie), Joey (Jacquie) and Rebekah (Nick), great grandchildren Alex, Audrey, Elijah and Willow along with cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Marie, son Ricky, sister, Beverly, brother-in-law Ben, and son-in-law Mike.

Joan, Joanie, Mom, Grammy, Gram, you were and will always be our angel,

Toodley doots for now!

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.