Obituary of Mary Christensen

Mary Sofie Christensen, formerly of Coderre, SK and Moose Jaw, SK, passed away at the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg, SK, on March 23, 2014, at the age of 98 years. Mary was born on April 11, 1915, in the district of Tune, Denmark. She was the daughter of Soren and Olga (nee Jensen) Sorensen, and a twin to Karen. In the spring of 1930 the family decided to move to Canada, and made the journey on a ship named "Montcalm.” When they arrived in Canada, they settled on a farm near Parkman, SK. In the fall of 1935 Mary left home and began working at Carrington Mannor Farms, where she learned to speak English. From there, Mary moved to Trewdale, SK, to work as a housekeeper. Mary was married to Nels Rasmussen on April 7, 1936, in Moose Jaw, SK. Mary and Nels made their first home on a farm approximately six miles south of Trewdale. In 1944, they purchased land and moved close to the Bar Hill School. Mary was a very determined person and a hard worker. She always kept a large garden, milked cows, and raised chickens and turkeys. She would also stook grain between chores and preparing meals. On July 4, 1958, Mary and Nels lost their home in a fire. That summer and fall the family lived in a granary until their new home was built. In March of 1963, Nels passed away. Mary remained on the farm until 1969, when she moved to Moose Jaw. Mary enjoyed living in the city, and was glad she was able to plant a big garden at her new home. In 1977, she married Alfred Christensen. Mary and Alfred enjoyed traveling, visiting friends, and attending many garage sales together. When Alfred’s health began to fail they moved to Gravelbourg, and Alfred lived at the Foyer d’Youville. Alfred passed away in 1997, and Mary lived in Gravelbourg for a short time before returning to Moose Jaw. In 2000, Mary moved to the Pioneer Villa in Gravelbourg, and in 2011 she made her final home at the Foyer d’Youville. Left to cherish Mary’s memory is her daughter Thora (Jim) Smith; son Arnold (Charlotte) Rasmussen; daughter Sandra (Wayne) King; son Ray (Susan) Rasmussen; step-daughter Ella Felstead; sisters Karen Swanson, Inger Wilson; sister-in-law Elsie Sorensen; 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband Nels Rasmussen; second husband Alfred Christensen; daughter Ella (Lloyd) Arthur, granddaughter Carla Arthur; sisters Gerda (Normand) Sundberg, Grethe Sorsensen, Elsie Sorensen; brothers Thorvald Sorensen, Viggo (Dorothy) Sorensen; brothers-in-law Luther Swanson, Lester Wilson; grandson-in-law Blaine Drew. Private Family Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., at Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel, Gravelbourg, SK, with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiant. The eulogy was shared by Arnold Rasmussen. Special memories by Ray Rasmussen. Hymns were "He Leadeth Me”, "How Great Thou Art”, and "Till We Meet Again.” Interment took place at the Grace United Church Cemetery, Coderre, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Mary to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 2550 Broad St., Regina, SK S4P 3Z4, were greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.