Constance I. “Connie” Christiansen, 95, lifelong resident of Aberdeen, passed away peacefully on the evening of May 15, 2017, at Avalon Care Center in Federal Way, Wash.

Connie was born Nov. 21, 1921, at the family home in Aberdeen to Christian A. and Emma Marie (Gustafson) Slenes. She graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1939 and then attended Grays Harbor Business College.

Connie married Lawrence E. Christiansen, April 22, 1945, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. They were married 61 years when he passed away on Dec. 31, 2006.

Connie worked as a bookkeeper for many years, retiring in 1986 after 17 years at Arden Farms. After retiring she volunteered in many areas, RSVP, NOAH, Teamsters Retirees, she served as an ombudsman, and was always willing to help others.

She and her husband “Chris” enjoyed spending time and entertaining at the family beach cabin in Tokeland. She loved the beach from a very young age and she instilled that love to all of her children and grandchildren. She dearly loved having them all around. She had many hobbies including gardening, crafts, and didn’t want to miss a clam tide. She was an excellent cook, baker and organizer. Her Scandinavian cookies and pastries were wonderful.

Connie was a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by three daughters: Nancy (Alan Reames) Christiansen of Tacoma, Linda (Jim) Piccolo of Stanwood and Barbara (Jaymee) McMeekin of Hood Canal; five grandchildren: Bryan (Lisa) McMeekin, Jason, (Lacey) McMeekin, Nicole (Jeremiah) Martin, Kristina Piccolo and Alyson (Greg ) Schenavar; 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way. She leaves behind many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and their son Lawrence Richard Christiansen; a brother, Allen Slenes and two sisters: Olive Slenes and Ethel Gibson.

A private family graveside service was held at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, Wash. A celebration of her life will be held this summer.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family atwww.fernhillfuneral.com.

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