Marian Jean Christiansen was born on October 22, 1929, and went home to be with her Lord and Savior in Heaven on September 25, 2025, living an active and fruitful life for almost 96 years. Marian was the only child of Albert and Gladys Janke and grew up in Eureka attending Lincoln School and graduating from Eureka High School in 1946. She married Robert Christiansen on February 1, 1948, and together they raised three children, Suzie, Bob and Carla.

Marian went back to college after Carla started school and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Humboldt State College in 1962. She taught at Washington Elementary School (4th to 6th grade) for 25 years before retiring in 1987. She was a very dedicated teacher, often the last one on campus and grading papers late into the evening at home. Her students have commented “Mrs. C was strict, but fair and I learned a lot!” They often recall California Missions projects and trips to Canada as highlights of history with Mrs. C.

Before her husband died in 1997, he and Marian loved doing most everything together including dancing at the Danish Dance Festival, square dancing and dance clubs. They also enjoyed traveling in their trailer around the western USA, horseback riding in the local mountains and beaches and spending special time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marian has been an active member of First Covenant Church for almost 30 years. Some of the activities she enjoyed there were: singing in the choir, bible study, 15-year chairperson for Operation Christmas Child, sewing Christmas stockings for local foster children, cooking and sewing for various kids camps and fellowship groups along with supporting the Eureka Rescue Mission.

Marian has been a quilter for many years and enjoyed the fellowship of other quilters in special groups of friends. She felt blessed to be a part of these groups that shared her passion for quilting.

Marian is survived by her three children and their families which includes eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Her family have been privileged to share their lives and especially these past few years caring for their wonderful Mom and Grandma who was the matriarch of the family and she will be greatly missed. With the help of her children, faithful caregiver Donna and Hospice of Humboldt they were able to fulfill her wish to remain home until her passing.

A celebration of life Service will be held at First Covenant Church, 2526 J Street, Eureka on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marian’s honor can be made to: First Covenant Church (Operation Christmas Child Fund), Eureka Rescue Mission or Hospice of Humboldt.

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