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Christine Samuelson Obituary
Christine Samuelson died in Red Bluff on June 13, 2004, after a long illness. She was born on August 20, 1950, in New York City to Ralph and Irene Samuelson of Arcata.
Chrissy is survived by her parents; siblings, Julie Warren, Gail Neelans, Elizabeth Samuelson, Sam Samuelson; extended family and many friends.
Chrissy grew up in Arcata, and she spent a year in India at age 11 and a year in Egypt at age 16. These travels made her acutely aware of world problems; at an early age, she developed a strong desire to help people and fix the world. Chrissy was drawn to the peace movement in the late 1960s and attended peace marches in Berkeley during her last years at Arcata High. Searching for answers, she studied many religions of the world and finally studied the Bible, where she found a hope for peace that gave her life direction for many years. She worked as a caregiver and a highly effective Shiatsu therapist. As a result of her lifelong love for animals, she had three horses and two dogs, now in the care of her special friend, Chet Borror. Chrissy was always excited about life, she was always beautiful, always enlightening, always original, and always a little larger than life.
She believed death is like unconscious sleep, and had the hope of waking up during the 1,000 year rule of Messiah, soon to remove all human governments. Then there will be no wars, pollution, starvation or injustice. The dead will be brought back to life, the disabled healed, the old will grow young, and all earth restored to a paradise. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; John 5: 28, 29; Daniel 2:44; Psalms 37: 9-11; Revelation 11:18; Isaiah 35:5-7; Job 33: 24, 25; Luke 23: 42, 43)
Have a good nap, Chrissy. We’ll see you again before too long. We love you.
Friends are invited to share memories at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 10, 2004, at the family home, 301 Beverly Drive, Arcata.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christine Samuelson
Monica Wattle-Getzschman
January 7, 2005
A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one's being born"
...Ecclesiastes 7:1
In viewing this Guest Book, it is evident that this is certainly a statement of Truth regarding Chris and the lives she touched.
When I knew her in high school, I was in awe of her "off the wall" flair. I think the thing I remember most about Chris, was her beautiful smile, which reflected so well her inner countenance. I will look forward to visiting with her in the future resurrection when our earth is restored to a beautiful paradise. Our Creator, Jehovah, assures us that it will be so.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my condolence to your Family!
Chris and Paula - Happy to see each other!
Paula (Stone) Johnson
August 29, 2004
The last time I saw Chris was near 1980 when this picture of us was taken in my parents' home in Arcata. I had been living in Ukiah, and was home for a visit. I moved to Washington in 1983 and lost touch with everyone from Arcata.
Chris and Julie loom large in the memories of my teenage years in Arcata in the '60s. What a time! Chris and my brother Steve were good friends, as were Julie and I.
Chris, I won't forget you.
Paula
MARY STOKES FOX
August 28, 2004
Dear family and friends of Chrissy,
I've known Chrissy for 42 years and am glad to say that our friendship was renewed shortly before she died. She was, at last, very happy and at peace with herself and the world. Her death was very premature, but I know that she's on the other side, where there is no pain and suffering, riding her horses for eternity.
Maggie Squires
August 27, 2004
Dearest Irene, Gail, Julie and Ralph,
I only just now heard about Chris.
There is no way to describe my heartfelt sympathy for your intense loss.
Your whole family is so dear to me and I loved Chris so much. The very best memories of my childhood in Arcata are with your family. Though I have not seen Chris in many years, I think of her often and have such vivid memories of time spent with her. I remember Chris as such a beautiful, magical, fun, young women.
One of my fondest and clearest memories of her took place in about 1966 when Gail and I were 6 years old. She gave me a ride home one nite in a really old pick-up truck, while wearing a beautiful multicolored indian sari. I just remember thinking how absolutely cool and awesome she was. I will never forget her.
My heartfelt prayers and love go out to all of you!
Maggie Squires
Hal & Denise Flemings
August 13, 2004
The silence of Death makes such a loud noise to those left behind. A special face no longer seen, a certain smile no longer enjoyed, memories of shared conversations and reflections of good and challenging times. But our Creator assures us that all bad things will come to an end; and that includes Death. Christine will awaken to life without end. Jehovah loved the world so much that He gave his only begotten Son so that those accepting him will one day experience everlasting life (John 3:16) Christine was included as a recipient of that Grand Promise.
We send our love to the family
L
August 7, 2004
Chrissy and Bob Dylan. We share an affinity for him. His lyrics "Just when you're thinkin' you've lost everything, you find you can always lose a little more" says it better than I can. Chrissy saw peace in a place where the tall grass is always green, and the horses are "fat and happy". Chrissy loves beauty and dislikes ugliness, loves her unique wildflowers blooming in the spring. Her heart goes out to every living thing, especially animals, and she acts when she sees them mistreated. Chrissy truly owns a loving heart. I know she touches many people with love and kindness, humor and laughter. Live in Peace.
Lynn Baizley
August 3, 2004
Dear Ralph, Irene, Julie, and Gail,
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss and my heart aches with yours.
Chris was such a unique person and seemed to see the world with an added dimension. I have often smiled with fond thoughts of her as the years have passed. Her quick wit, kindness to all (especially the lowly or disadvantaged), and the way she embraced life with such exuberance. This is how I remember her.
Sharing an apartment with Chris at the beach had so many memorable moments. Seeing her ride away on a motorcycle... barefoot, finding her boa constrictor in the linen cabinet, and her returning home grinning from ear to ear...with the brightest red lips and cheeks I'd ever seen.
Chris was truly an original...never to be forgotten and always loved.
Shannon & Joseph Galascione
August 2, 2004
Julie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of a precious menmber of you family. Jehovah offers a beautiful promise of hope that I am sure can be lifting and bring your family peace. We love you so much and miss your family dearly, your sister will truly be missed.
Love
Shannon & Joseph
Sherry Jordan
August 2, 2004
So sorry to hear of the loss in your family...I can relate because I too recently had a death in my family in April and it's comforting to know and have the love and support of friends and family. Please know I care and pray that Jehovah may comfort you and your family in your time of need.
Old Friend,
Sherry Jordan
Lydia Williams
August 2, 2004
Dear Julie and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your lose please accept our condolences. My family and I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Chris, but, Julie if she was any thing like you she was truly a wonderful person worth getting to know. Jehovah willing in the new system
We can all enjoy close association with her.
Gail McCleary-Dematte'
August 1, 2004
Dear Julie and Family,
My heart goes out to you while you grieve your loss. Julie,you are such a wonderful soul and have always shared my families joys and sorrows. Your sister,Chris was a wonderful, caring soul also. It is certain she will be missed. With her passing, let us all each day remember to give fully out of the abundance of our hearts to others. We all have such wonderful gifts to enrich the lives of each other.
With all my love, Gail Faith
Julie Warren
July 31, 2004
Dear friends and relatives.
Thank you all so much for writing to all of us at this website. It has been tremendously comforting to me and seems to have taken on a life of its own.We had a beautiful memorial for Chrissy in Red Bluff
and another one in Arcata. But they ended and it all happened so fast and so many important people to me or Chrissy couldn't
be there. I was too grief stricken to contact everyone immediately after her death. So this website has been a way to keep her alive a while longer with this wonderful collection of letters. One of you has been extremely kind and extended this site for
another entire year. I was moved to tears by this as it felt a little like another death with the ending of the thirty days. Now we can contact more of her friends and include their thoughts. All of you are precious and I thank you all for your contributions. Thanks especially to the thoughtful friend who extended this website.
With much love to all, Julie
Via Baggett
July 30, 2004
Henry James would have said,"Her eyes were remarkable." And they were--full of love, delight and expectation. She had so much to look forward to. I remember her giving my 10 year old son two rosy boas that she caught in the desert. She had named them Ona and Sid. We thought the names were so cool.
She made his day, maybe even his first weeks in California, after we moved there. Shortly after that, however, Chris moved away. Later I heard that she owned horses in northern California and that she bred them. Lastly, I heard about her catastrophic bout with cancer and her death at 53. I know that we have lost a deeply feeling, beautiful soul.
Sally J Trenfield
July 30, 2004
We miss Chris, and are comforted to know so many people were touched by her warmth, humor, strength and kindness.
Cousin Sally and family
Sharn Sexton
July 29, 2004
Dear Ralph, Irene, Julie and Gail - Please know that my thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you and your families at this time. I met Christine in PB in the "early years". I can still see her entering a room, and moments later, we would all be laughing. She was a good friend and a wonderfully tender and intelligent woman. I will not forget her.
Tom Graves
July 28, 2004
I think it has all been said...I miss Chris (that's what I called her) She was a blast. Never boring. Enough serious stuff but lots of laughing. I loved her and was glad I knew her.
Melody (Spurling) Poff
July 27, 2004
Dear Julie, Irene, Gail and family, how I grieve for your loss.
The name Samuelson was part of the tapestry of my childhood.
My earliest memory of Chris was when I was nine years old and attending a meeting of Jehovah's Wittnesses. She took the time to speak to a little girl who shared her love of horses and encouraged me to show appreciation to the Creator for their existance.
What a simple matter it will be for Jehovah, the powerful Creator of all living things, to fulfill his promise of an earthly resurrection for his people.
What an enjoyable time we'll have with horses then.
Don Ford
July 26, 2004
Dear Ralph, Irene and family:
I am so saddened to hear of Christina's death. (she once told me her name was Christina. I sometimes called her Tina and she didn't seem to mind, much).
I first got to know Chris when we were still in grade school at Stewart School in Arcata. It appeared to me early on that Chris was a strange bird. She scared me a little, but intrigued me a lot. She had been to India. I had been to Eureka. I always sensed that there was something more behind that laugh of hers. And there was so much more, as it was my privilege to find out.
Chris was with me when I first learned about our God, Jehovah. She helped me turn my life around at a critical time and I will forever be grateful. Knowing that friends like Chris will be in the earthly paradise gives me all the more incentive to be there myself.
I hope that all of us, Chris' family and friends, can share in that wonderful time together.
Sincerely,
Charles Fraser
July 22, 2004
Dear Julie,
Linda and I send our deepest regrets and sympathies. I have not heard from either you or your sister in many years, and some dear friends of ours, Kevin and Karina Schwartz, saw you recently in Arcata and learned of your sister's death. We were so very sorry to hear of it.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May Jehovah give you the comfort you need and may he strengthen you to endure until you meet your sister again in the resurrection, when indeed all things will be made new.
Tamara Spillis
July 19, 2004
Dear Ralph and Irene, Jules and Jerry and Gail,
The last time I was with Chris, she was at her best: happy, loving, caring. I had driven in from Ohio. She was living near Willow Creek taking care of an older couple, and pasturing her horse Shona on their homestead (see photo). Minutes before I arrived she had vaccinated Shona for rabies. I drove up the gravel lane and she gushed out of the house, we were so happy to see each other. We went in and I plopped down on the couch and immediately jumped to my feet with a horse syringe hanging from my thigh.(I am legendary for incredibly bad timing) We laffed til we cried and for years we kept wondering if I would get "habies". Horse rabies would have to be called habies, we guffawed!
Chris had recently returned from visiting the branch office in India and also Bhopal where without warning the release of a cyanide cloud had killed over 2,000 persons in early morning hours. We wept for them. She hoped someday to return there. We sand Dylan songs, fished on the river, ate stirfry, shared in the ministry and worship with our friends at the Kingdom Hall. And this is how I will always remember Chris. My heart will not be mended until the day she hears the words, as did Lazarus, "Christine!" May your hearts be mended too. My love and grief are shared with you....Tammy
Faye Rollins (Wilkinson)
July 16, 2004
Dear Ralph, Irene, Julie and Gail,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Chris at this time. She was a very unique person - loving, caring, happy and intelligent, with a real zeal for helping others know about our creator and the wonderful future God has in store. I knew her as a fine Christian woman who set an excellent example for the rest of us to imitate. She had a beautiful smile and I await the day I can see that again along with all of you. May Jehovah give you the strength to face each day, knowing we will see our dear loved one soon. The resurrections Jesus performed are faith-strengthening more than ever. With love to all of you, Faye
Peggy Philipps
July 16, 2004
Julie, as you saw from my email my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am sure you were a great source of comfort for Chris as you were for my mother. We'll see them both in the resurrection. Love to you all. Peggy
Eric Purser
July 15, 2004
Mary Stokes called my wife Caren a couple of days ago with the news of Chris leaving us. My thoughts and sympathy go out to your family and Chet. In my experience there are a couple of things in which I take solace. The first is that Chris is okay now. She is free of the pain and uncertanty that must have been with her towards the end. Secondly, we do know that one day we will all meet up with her in a better place.
I knew Chris the best towards the end of high school. Our circle of friends was an adventurous and joyful bunch, and those were great days for us all.
I could sense a vulnerability about Chris, but her abiding strength and humor always shone through. It was a delight to be her friend.
One summer I was working on a fishing boat out of Eureka, and Chris and some of her buddies were working at Eureka Fisheries. One warm and breezy day the Captain and I were working out on deck. I heard whistling and laughter in the wind, and looked around for it's source.
It turned out that it was break time at the fisheries, and Chris and her friends were out on the dock catching some rays, and they had spotted me.
When I think of Chris, that is how I choose to remember her; laughing and waving at me accross the water on a warm summer day.
Bye bye, Chris........
Michael & Barbara Wagner
July 14, 2004
Dear julie and Family, we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in our prayer's
Stephen & Betsy Davila-Gomez
July 14, 2004
Dear Julie,and family,
We pray for your comfort. Knowing that Chris is in Jehovah's memory is a strong gentle comfort. None the less, the sting of death is painful, and will be salved only upon Chrissy's beautiful ressurection.
Jehovah Bless and comfort all your hearts.
With Warm Christian Love,
Sam, Betsy and little Paloma
Anya Cartwright-Shortridge
July 14, 2004
Dear Julie and family,
I will always remember Chris from back in those Pacific Beach days in the early 80’s when I first came to know the Bible’s truths. The both of you were so instrumental in my coming to know what true friends really are. I can still see her big beautiful eyes and kind smile. I am looking forward to her waking up in the Paradise to see that smile again – and so she will see what true happiness is again!
(But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace ~ Ps 37:11)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. Though we don’t ‘mourn as the rest do,’ even Jesus cried when he saw loved ones fall asleep in death.
With love,
Anya (Cartwright) Shortridge and family
Shirley Oland
July 14, 2004
Julie, I'm so sorry to hear about Christine's death. I didn't know you had a sister. I miss you so much--and have thought of you often after you left PB. Please give my love to your family. Shirl
Dan Pequeno
July 14, 2004
Dear Family Members of Chris. It was sad to get this news from Dave Wittman. Chris will be missed and remembered by those of us that knew her when she lived here many years ago in San Diego. Glad that she and other members of her family share the wonderful hope for the future that is in the Bible.
Chris and Shona
July 9, 2004
Suzanne Benson
July 9, 2004
Dear Julie and family,
I was so shocked to hear about Chrissy's death. I let Judy know too. She was so young and to have gone through so much. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of grieving. I look forward to seeing her in the new system.
Love,
Suzanne
Judith BensonHuffWagner
July 7, 2004
Dear Julie & Family,
Was shocked to learn from my sister in Fortuna of Chrissy's passing.
I shall look forward to seeing her again in the future,when she is healthy,happy & renewed again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Judy Benson Wagner
Robert Benbrook
July 5, 2004
Hello Julie and family. Please accept condolences from our family. Christine had a firm faith and we are sure she will live again. We lost our son Mike last year so we can know and symphathize with your loss. Agape, Bob
Wendy Gilroy
July 4, 2004
Dear Irene, Ralph, Julie and Gail,
I heard about Chris's death two weeks ago while I was traveling and simply could not believe it. We were last in touch a few years ago when she found my phone number in Corvallis, where I have lived for twenty years, and we had a long and wonderful talk. She was just moving and said she would give me her new number but somehow we failed to hook up again. I regret this very much. My memories of Chris are among the most delightful of my growing up years. She was my best friend for a number of years in our early teens, as you know, and this is a time that remains strong in importance. How we so drifted and lost touch I don't know, but it has been a great loss in my life.
The whole Samuelson family was important to me -- I couldn't begin to count the number of nights I spent happily under your roof. What I recall most clearly is laughter. Chris was forever funny and ready for any kind of lively fun. Hunting for snakes in what we always called Snake Acres left me ready to pick up any old snake to this day, which I consider a fine gift from an old friend.
Since I heard of her death I've been thinking about so many different incidents and adventures, many of them in King Salmon in the boats we used to paddle around the canals, and on the beach where she was gung-ho for any adventure.
Chris was deeply warm, smart, interested in the world, and above all lovable. I feel her absence from the world despite our long separation.
With deep sorrow and loving memories of you all,
Wendy(Gilroy)Madar
Linda Hewlett
July 3, 2004
Dear Julie, Irene, and Ralph, I was so sorry to hear of Chrissy's death, but know she is r esting in peace. I too have beautiful memories of her when she was younger living in Arcata, and in San Diego. She had such a beautiful smile and could light up a room. She was full of life, and I loved her very much. I look forward to seeing her again in a healthy youthful body. love, Linda
Beau (Olsen) Carr
July 3, 2004
Dear Julie and family, So good to see you a few weeks ago after so many years and so very sorry to hear of your loss. Sincerely, Beau Olsen Carr
Mary Paita
July 3, 2004
Irene, Ralph, Julie and Gail,
So sorry to hear about Chris. I remember her as beautiful young girl who loved animals and had a zest for life. She was always so vivacious and had interesting activities. I'm glad she had an interest in religion which I'm sure helped her through her illness.
Sorry I can't be there on the 10th but I'll be thinking of all of you.
By the way, I saw Julie at the pizza parlor a few weeks ago and you have two BEAUTIFUL grandsons!
Love,
Mary {Olsen} Paita
Cindy and Paul Nicklas
July 3, 2004
Ralph, please accept our heartfelt sympathy regarding the passing of your daughter. How precious can precious be? Liife, chiildren, moments, love. We count our blessings but it does not reduce the loss and hurt.
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