Eleanor Lea Christiansen

April 21, 1924 - December 06, 2016

Her desire was for her family to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

On December 6, 2016 Lea stepped out of this world and onto the shores of heaven.  Her voice now joins the angel chorus in praise to her Savior.
 
Lea was born on April 21, 1924 in Snoqualmie, WA to John and Etta Gundersen.  She joined older siblings Leslie, Anne and Alice.  Her fondest memories of childhood were of the years her family lived in the Seahurst area where she and her siblings spent summers swimming in Lake Burien.   After a move to Seattle, Lea attended and graduated from Highline High School.  In 1944 she was introduced to a young soldier by the name of Lester Christiansen.  He was shipped out to France shortly after they met so they got to know each other via letters.  They were married October 8, 1945.  Eventually they settled in the Fir Island/Conway area where they raised their 4 daughters.  In 1971 they moved to Stanwood where they lived out their days.
 
Lea worked several jobs over the years: in the berry fields of Skagit County, at the original Turkey House Restaurant and for many years as a nurse's aid at Josephine Sunset Home.  Her work ethic and integrity were an example to her daughters.
 
Lea was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon where she taught Sunday School, helped with VBS and made sure her daughters and their friends were at church regularly.  Upon moving to Stanwood she joined Cedarhome Baptist Church.  She took great pleasure in helping her church supply The Spot, a Youth for Christ ministry,  with snacks for their gatherings.  Her desire was for her family to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and accept Him into their hearts.  For that we are eternally grateful.    
 
Lea was preceded in death by her parents John and Etta, by her husband Lester and their first daughter June, by her brother Leslie and sister Anne.  She is survived by her sister Alice and her brother Deane, daughters Laurel Christiansen, Mary Pierce(Dave), Sybil Christiansen, Julie Olson(Dan), 19 grand and great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. 

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A memorial service will be held January 8, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Cedarhome Baptist Church, Stanwood.  Please see map and direction link below.

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers please direct memorial donations in her name to Stanwood's Youth for Christ ministry, The Spot. Send to Youth for Christ, P.O. Box 75128, Seattle, WA 98175-0128 or c/o Cedarhome Baptist Church, 29000 68th Ave. N.W. Stanwood, WA 98292.