Patsy Ann Christiansen

Patsy Ann Christiansen obituary

Patsy Ann Christiansen

Patsy Christiansen Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sundberg Funeral Home, Ltd. on Dec. 21, 2025.
Patsy Ann Christiansen was born in Belvidere, IL on October 16, 1946. She passed away on December 18, 2025; surrounded by her family. She grew up in Genoa, IL and graduated from Genoa-Kingston High School. Patsy graduated from Swedish American School of Nursing in 1968, and obtained her diploma. Years later she went back to school to earn her BSN from Alverno College. Patsy dedicated her life to Swedish American Hospital. She worked as a ICU/CCU nurse, but majority of her career was as a nursing supervisor. She retired in 2012 after 44 years of loyal service. Patsy enjoyed her retirement spending time with her friends and family. She deeply loved her daughter; Beth Christiansen Grady, and three granddaughters; Ashlee, Madeline, and Payton Grady.

She married Edwin Christiansen on June 23, 1971. They celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage before Ed passed in August of 2023. Patsy's joys in life were cooking, crafting, reading, watching the Hallmark channel, and spending time with her granddaughters. She was a kind, smart, and strong woman, full of life and love.

Patsy was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She survived by her daughter; Beth Christiansen Grady (Peter), granddaughters; Ashlee, Madeline, and Payton, siblings; Ken Shipley (Cathy) and Linda Morey, sister-in-law; Carol Evans, nieces and nephews; Dawn Evans, Tim Evans (Deb), Rachel Shipley, Cristy Mckenzie (Jerold), Ryan Morey (Becka), Julie Ratliff (Joe), Mike Morey (Erin), Jolene O'Donnell (Ryan), and John Shipley (Alyson), and special friends; Lori Carlson (Brian), Janet McKinney, TR McKinney (Brittney), and Breanna Brost (Kaleb). Preceded in death by parents; Catherine and Claude Shipley, husband; Edwin Christiansen, nephew; Jason Shipley, brother-in-laws; John Evans and George Morey, and special friends; Lindsay and Rob McKinney.

We will be having a celebration of life at a future time to honor the life of Patsy and reminisce on the impact she had on each of our lives.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patsy Ann (Shipley) Christiansen, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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January 14, 2026

Susan Korf posted to the memorial.

December 26, 2025

Tommeco jones posted to the memorial.

December 24, 2025

Laurie Crosser posted to the memorial.

Susan Korf

January 14, 2026

Many years working under her on Ortho and ER, always a smile and always words of encouragement. She will always have a place in my heart. Deepest Sympathies

Tommeco jones

December 26, 2025

Beth sorry for you and your family´s loss! I knew your mom forever working at the hospital!! She will be greatly missed

Laurie Crosser

December 24, 2025

My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Patsy. She was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family

Denise Nordenberg

December 24, 2025

Sorry for your loss
Denise Nordenberg

Frances Wilson

December 23, 2025

Patsy and I shared all the "Swedish American School of Nursing experiences together.
I frequently gave her rides back and forth to the dorm as l lived in Elburn, I had the car, so I happily picked her up on the way back to Rockford. We instantly became good friends.
We became roommates after graduation. We shared our work experiences and stories-of course we laughed a lot!
I had the pleasure of seeing Patsy fall in love with Ed. They were so cute together! They always managed to "steam up the windows" in the apartment!
It was a blessing knowing Patsy and calling her my friend
You will be missed, you and Ed together again-
a steamy reunion!! Be good, remember you´re in heaven now!
Love you, Patsy
Your forever friend-Frannie (Miller) Wison

Vickie Hallgren

December 22, 2025

Beth, I'm so very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My sympathy to you and your family. Your Mom was one of the best bosses I had during my 27 years at Swedish American.

Linda MaRoy

December 22, 2025

Patsy was a beautiful lady with a big heart. She will be greatly missed by many.

Luther and Dawn Rainer

December 22, 2025

Beth your mom will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and the way she made those around her feel cared for. She touched many lives in quiet but meaningful ways, and her presence will be deeply missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences and strength to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Anita Tuula

December 22, 2025

Beth, I´m so sorry to hear the sad news about your mom. She was always so nice to me when I was working in the ER. Big hugs to you and the girls. Take care.

Ken Scrivano

December 21, 2025

So very sorry to hear of her passing. I worked with Patsy for decades at SwedishAmerican Hospital. She was always positive and helpful to others.
She was an experienced and reliable nursing supervisor who could bring calmness and problem solutions to any situation. She will be missed.
Blessing and hugs to Beth and the family.

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215 N. Sixth St., Rockford, IL 61107

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Sign Patsy Christiansen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 14, 2026

Susan Korf posted to the memorial.

December 26, 2025

Tommeco jones posted to the memorial.

December 24, 2025

Laurie Crosser posted to the memorial.