Lillian Pearl Christensen's Obituary
Surrounded by her loving family Lillian Pearl Christensen, 93, of Federal Way, went to be with her savior Jesus on Jan 16th, 2020.
Born in Greeley, Colorado on July 21st, 1926 she was the eldest of seven siblings. Her family worked hard on their farm and as the oldest she did more than her fair share. One of her jobs on the farm was milking the cows, even earning the title of milk maid champion. As a teen her family moved from Colorado to Tacoma and Lillian began working at the local match factory to help support the family. It wasn't all work though, she loved to dance, and would often dance the night away until the wee hours of the morning.
While working at the factory she met Goldie Christensen and they quickly became friends. Goldie introduced Lillian to her handsome brother Robert (who would later become her husband). During the war she worked as a riveter at the local shipyards, and installed thermometers and gauges onto the ships. Although painfully shy she managed to do her job well while being the only female aboard. Her relationship with Robert bloomed, it was a match made in heaven and they were soon married. Together they built a beautiful life and had two loving children: Robert Christensen Jr and Lori Ann. Side by side they worked as owners of AA Construction in Tacoma.
After they sold the business they started investing in real estate. During this time they enjoyed traveling, he would shop for real estate and she would shop for antiques. They often spent their winters in Arizona. Robert and Lillian were lifetime and founding members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Tacoma. Her heart was broken when her love Robert died of cancer at the age of 68. From that point on she spent her time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and sisters. Antiquing, shoe shopping with her sister, drinking decaf coffee, traveling with family, and spending summers enjoying the beach house on hood canal were some of her favorite things. She is fondly remembered by her immediate family for being extremely generous, kind and loving.
Lillian is survived by her son Robert Christensen Jr (Terry), and daughter Lori Simnioniw (Darcy), grandchildren Robert Christensen III, Christy Christensen, Amy Malave (Mike), Nicole Gentry (Jon), and great grandchildren Amelia, Max, Abbey, Ariella, Leia, Lily and Josie. She is also survived by her sister Florence Francis and sister-in-law Rhona Stanners.
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