Christine Johannessen passed away peacefully from this world to be with Jesus on October 16, 2018 at her home in McKinleyville. 

Christine was born on October 31, 1948 in Portland, Oregon to her parents Marvin and Eileen Grace. Christine’s childhood was spent with her three siblings in Clatskanie, Oregon. Her family moved to McKinleyville where she attended and graduated from McKinleyville High School. Christine participated in Soroptimist Club, Band, Dance and was Homecoming Queen. When she wasn’t busy with school, she enjoyed spending time with her Arabian Horse, Blue. 

Christine attended College of The Redwoods where she received her nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse. Her nursing career started at Mad River Hospital and continued for 47 years as an Obstetrics Nurse and Supervisor. She worked at Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City, where she was instrumental in starting the Growing Together Midwifery Clinic, and at Mercy Hospital in Redding for many years until she finally decided it was time to retire.

Chris couldn’t stay retired for long. When she moved back to Humboldt County she went back to work at Mad River Hospital in the birthing center where her career originally had begun. She touched many lives, as well as saved so many tiny lives. Her kindness carried over to every mother in delivery and every baby delivered. 

Christine’s love and care for babies didn’t stop in the delivery room. She loved her grandkids with all her heart and enjoyed spending time with every one of them, even if it meant going down the waterslides with them.

She loved the Lord and her family. She always had a way to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Words cannot describe her kindness and compassion and what a beautiful heart and hands she had, as a person and a nurse. 

Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Eileen Grace, her stepfather Herbert Frahman, sister Marleen Miller, brother Timothy Grace and sister Debra Peoples.

She is survived by son Damian Carmesin, Daughter Tina (Terry) King, stepsons; Jeff (Char) Johannessen, Eric (Donna) Johannessen, brother and sister-in-law Maurice and Mariann Johannessen,  Aunt Jean (Uncle Norman), and her brothers-in-law Don Miller and Terry Peoples. She is also survived by and dearly loved her eleven Grandchildren; Spring, Tara, Kara, Justin, Jake, Derek, Ayashe, Kaleb, Melanie, Taylor, Tanner and Great Grandchild; Landon and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Humboldt Botanical Gardens or The Mad River Hospital Birthing Center.