Sarah Catherine Christensen

Sally was born in Hollywood, CA on January 5, 1943 to her parents Clarence and Lorine Berry. She lived in Burbank, CA all of her childhood. After High School, Sally went on to Nursing School and became a Registered Nurse. Her career started as Head Nurse of the Emergency Room at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank. She had a long career as a nurse with her last jobs working for Job Corps and Planned Parenthood in Mount Vernon, WA. Her love and compassion for those who were ill or in need was prevalent even in her last days here on earth. Sally was very close to her father and he always called her Sally Baby. She was a good decorator and lived in many houses and was always able to add her touch to make any home uniquely hers. She had great taste in clothes. She could go to Pic N Save and find a dress that would look great on her. In 1972, Sally married the love of her life, Pastor Richard (Dick) Christensen. Over the years they served in several churches in WA, CA, AK and Canada. Sally truly loved being in the Ministry and serving alongside Dick. Sally’s faith was very important to her and was the foundation of her life. In 1978 Sally and Dick adopted 3 foster children, Sarah, Richard and Carolyn in California. Sally felt the need and want to adopt children to honor her father, whom also was adopted. In 1980 They moved their family to Anchorage, AK where Dick was called to start a new Church Congregation. In 1982, Dick and Sally returned to Washington where Dick retired with his last congregation in Ferndale. Sally loved to go hiking and camping. She especially loved to fish. Or…..OUTFISH Dick. He took her on many fishing, and scary boot adventures and even on a Bear Hunt! Sally loved a great fire and Dick always told her that he would cut down a forest so that she could have the best fire to sit by! They shared so many wonderful times and so much joy and laughter. Sally loved Shiny things! Dick would always say to her “as long as it has glitter or shiny things on it, it is perfect.” Samantha, Sally’s granddaughter is exactly like her in this regard. In 2005, Mary, Sally and Sylvia took a trip of a lifetime. They met in Denver and flew to South Dakota. From there they drove to Wyoming and Montana sightseeing all the way. Sally loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her amazing faith and courage in life was a true inspiration to all who knew her and whom she came in contact with. Sally always put all worries and cares into God’s hands, and trusted him completely with his will for her life, even during some of the most difficult and challenging times she faced during her lifetime here on earth. Sally would always say– “Live your life to honor Christ at all times. During the Good and Bad combined, and He will give you strength to learn and grow to become a good person. Love yourself and be proud with quiet humility. Take good care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically. Stay close to Christ always, put nothing before him!” Let us all be comforted in knowing that she is now no longer sick, in pain, or grieving for her husband. She has been transformed in heaven and now has a new perfect body. She has been reunited with our Father almighty, with her husband, her parents, and her Son but mostly she is in her eternal home with Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whatcom Hospice House, 2800 Douglas Ave. Bellingham, WA, or to St. Jude Research Hospital, P.O Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.

Sarah Catherine Christensen

January 5, 1943 - January 20, 2015