Joy Christensen

Joyann (Milligan) Christensen, a longtime resident of Norwood, died at her home in Lynchburg, Virginia on January 7, 2026. Joy entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 90.

Born on August 12, 1935, in Washington, DC, Joy was adopted and aptly named by her adoring parents, Walter James and Lillian Mae (Adams) Milligan. She grew up in Buffalo and Hamburg, NY. After high school graduation, she attended Houghton College and graduated with a degree in English. It was there that she met her husband of 58 years, William Eliot (“Bill”) Christensen. As newlyweds, they first settled in Massachusetts, where Bill attended Gordon-Conwell Seminary and Joy taught junior high English. Their three children were born during their years living in Stratford, Connecticut, while Bill pastored his first church in Bridgeport. They later lived in Tonawanda and Getzville, NY - followed by a move to Westwood and then Norwood, Massachusetts, Joy’s home for 40 years. During those years, after she had stayed home to raise her children, Joy went back to work - first at Gymnastics Academy of Boston and then at Cullinet (later Computer Associates,) from where she retired in 2004. Joy relocated to Virginia in October 2024, to be with her Virginia family.

Blessed with much warmth and a steadfast faith, Joy spent her life serving God and loving others. She was a humble, kind, and patient woman, who selflessly cared for her loved ones and always placed their needs above her own. Unspoiled and not enamored by the things of this world, Joy found her greatest pleasure from time with her family and friends. (Especially if there were sweets involved!)

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her beloved youngest child, Amy Beth, her parents, Walter and Lillian, and her brother, Walter James Milligan, Jr. She is survived by her children, David (Phoebe) Christensen of Attleboro and Susan (Paul) Crowe of Evington, Virginia; her grandchildren, DJ (Virginia), Drew (Destiny), Daniel (Hannah), Timothy (Cassy), Laura, and Julie; her great-grandchildren Kyle, Maya, and Wallace; her “brother,” Theodore (Sandy) Christensen, many loyal friends, and tenderhearted caregivers, who made her final year more special.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a worship and memorial service at United Church of Norwood, 595 Washington Street, on January 31 at noon. A luncheon reception will follow at the church. Private interment will be in Highland Cemetery in Norwood. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to United Church of Norwood.