June Lorraine Christenson

June Lorraine Christenson was born in Seattle on January 10, 1919, passed away peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House on Thursday, September 25, 2014, surrounded by her family. She was the only child of Bill and Daisy Boettcher. June was a lifelong Bellingham resident, graduating from Whatcom High School in 1936. She married J. Don Christenson in 1940 and raised their two children in Bellingham. June worked as the secretary at Columbia Elementary School followed by many years as secretary at Whatcom County Health Department, retiring from there in 1983. June had a wonderful and positive approach to life. Everyone who met June soon learned to love her sense of humor and to expect her often spontaneous “unfiltered” hilarious comments. Any tribute to her would be lacking without acknowledging that she described herself as “a yellow dog Democrat”. Since 2008 June was cared for at St. Francis Nursing Home before her passing at Whatcom Hospice House. The family is very grateful for their caring nurses and staffs. Throughout her life she was a music lover, sports fan and voracious book and Sports Illustrated reader. She cultivated many long and loving relationships. She served on her Whatcom High Class reunion committee for many years, enjoyed her bridge club, gardening and was a tremendous cook. Her grandchildren consider her signature dish to be burnt French toast; cut on the diagonal and served in her smoke filled kitchen. June was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and for several years was in charge of the church garden, winning repeated “Garden in Bloom” awards. June was preceded in death by her husband Don in 1983 and is survived by her children Denny (Marcia) and Cindy. June took great pride in her children, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church beginning at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 4, 2014. Pastor Sharon Swanson will lead the service. A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 2750 McLeod Rd, Bellingham, 98225 and Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, 98225.