Kristine Johansen

Johansen was born in Mandal, Norway on March 19, 1935, to Emanuel
and Ragnhild Valand. She was the oldest of five children (Tobias- Olaf - Ernst -
Elizabeth). Kristine and her brothers and sister grew up on a beautiful farm called
Suvatna. She attended a one room schoolhouse in HOLUM, and she often skied
to school with her friends.
At the age of 16, Kristine attended Kvoss Folkehogskole where she majored in
home economics. At the age of 19, she traveled to America with two of her best
friends. The three of them worked in various jobs between New Jersey and Long
Island. All the time thinking this would only be for three years. However, in 1956
she met Knut Johansen who also grew up in Norway. The two of them got married
at the Norwegian Siemens Church in Brooklyn. Marriage with Knut brought a new
way of life. Knut's job as a captain on yachts brought them to Palm Beach,
Florida. The next few years they traveled back-and-forth between Palm Beach,
Florida and New York on a yacht named the Captiva. It was at this time that Knut
and Kristine had their first child, a daughter, Arline. In 1962 the family moved to
Brooklyn, New York. Where Knut got a job with Moran towing company.
Eventually, he became a tugboat captain. That same year, they had their second
child, John. In 1965 Knut & Kristine bought their first house in Livingston, New
Jersey. With the move, she enjoyed many happy years there. Livingston was a
great place to raise a family and start her career working at Sears.
Kristine was a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother and great
grandmother always there supporting her family. Kristine was known as a warm
and gracious hostess to her friends and everyone she met. She came to know the
Lord when she was a young girl in Norway. When she came to the United States,
she attended the Norwegian Mission on Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange, New
Jersey and Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Essex Fells New Jersey.
She is survived by her brother Olaf (sister-in-law, Berit) and sister Elizabeth who
all live in Norway. Her daughter and son-in-law Arline & Mark McGrady who live in
Massachusetts. Her son and daughter-in-law John & Sandra Johansen who live in
New Jersey. 6 - Grandchildren Christopher, Jason, Jessica, David, Justin and
Jennifer. 5 - Great grandchildren, Hudson, Hart, Elias, Jack and Luciana
She will be greatly missed by the many people she touched throughout her life. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kristine, please visit our floral store.