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Katherine Celeste Christensen
1956 - 2018
Katherine Christensen Obituary
Beloved daughter, sister, friend, colleague and professor, Dr. Katherine Celeste Christensen passed away August 19, 2018, after a long illness. Born May 9, 1956, in Seattle, Wash., she was the eldest daughter of John H. (Jack) and Geraldine Christensen. Studious and intelligent from a young age, she graduated with a history degree from Seattle University, then earned her master's degree and doctorate from the University of California Berkeley. She taught in the History Department at Berea College, Berea, Ky., from 1991 to 2018. A lifelong Catholic, Dr. Christensen was active in St. Clare Catholic Church in Berea and the Newman Club at Berea College, and served as a liturgical master of ceremonies in the Diocese of Lexington.
She is survived by her parents, of Edmonds; sisters Jeanne Fischer (Ed), Anne, Melanie, and Mary, and brother Paul; three nephews and two nieces; numerous cousins, and members of her adopted Kentucky family.
Mass of Christian Burial was
August 24 at St. Clare, followed by
committal at Berea Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Berea College History Department, 101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40404, or to St. Clare Catholic Church, 622 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40403.
Guest Book at www.Legacy.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Christensen
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Francesca Rizzardi
December 31, 2020
I knew Katherine from International House at UC Berkeley and we ran into each other occasionally for several years after moving out. I remember her talking about that Latin class, Katherine, M! I remember Katherine as being a genuine person who was true to herself and I always respected that in her. I am very sorry to find out of her passing.
Cathy Kroll
December 28, 2019
I was very saddened to learn of Katherine's passing. We first met as graduate students at UC Berkeley: she was in the history department and I was in English. I always remember her kindness, poise, spiritual outlook, and her self-assurance. As we began our teaching careers, we stayed in touch. The drawings, sentiments, and calligraphy of her handmade Christmas cards always uplifted me each December. Katherine never failed to include a few lines personally directed to me with each card--something so rare in this day and age. Even though decades have passed since our graduate student days, I have many vivid memories of Katherine's generosity of spirit and compassion for others. I miss her. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.
Katherine M.
June 7, 2019
Katherine was a long-time friend of mine. We met in Father Bisciglia's Latin class at Seattle University in the late 1970s. We were the last two surviving students in the class at the end of the school year, so making it through Latin class together and sharing the same first name and patron saint, seems to have been a good basis for friendship. We went our separate ways but didn't lose touch.
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
February 7, 2019
Dear Geraldine, Jack and Members of the Christensen Family,
We Sister of the Holy Names send you our sympathy as we offer prayers for all of you who will miss Katherine so much. May her eternal home in God's Presence overflow with peace and love into all our homes. May you know she is near you often in the time ahead.
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