Our beloved Mom, Faye Doris Christensen, died on June 29, 2022, at home in New Hope, Pennsylvania, aged 97. She was surrounded by her family, and will be cherished in our hearts forever.
Faye was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Esther (Hackbarth) and Edward Gehrke and she lived a beautiful life of love.
Faye grew up in Wausau and was an adventurous child. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin and worked as an occupational therapist, helping children. She married fellow UW grad, Nels Christensen, and enjoyed raising a family that remains strongly united – son, Wayne (Jane Quinn) Christensen, and daughters Carol (Mark) Evancho, and Jan Christensen. Mom was the heart of our home. She cared for us, inspired us, encouraged us, and lovingly shared both our happiest moments and our most difficult ones. She was always there for us.
Faye and Nels came to New Hope in the 1980’s, and started a new life as co-owners of a small business. As they had in Wisconsin, they made many friends, and Faye treasured these bonds all her life. She loved her bridge companions, gourmet groups, tennis and travel partners, AAUW and P.E.O. sisters, and Questers, and she spent many happy and fulfilling hours with them.
Mom was preceded in death by our Dad, Nels. She continued bravely with life – she was a reader, she was always interested in history and the arts, and had a lively interest in politics. She enjoyed the Phillies, the Eagles and the Sixers. She loved nature, and found much joy in the Bucks County countryside – the deer, squirrels, flowers, foxes and birds.
In her later years, Mom had much to suffer, and she bore her burden with extraordinary patience and grace. She was always very grateful for the care she received from Doylestown Health and the Fox Chase Cancer Center, and for the wonderful support she had from faithful friends.
She especially appreciated being “Nana” to grandson David (Brittany Adams) Evancho, and granddaughter Alicia (Tyler) James, and “Great-Grandma” to Theodore James. Sharing in their lives gave her new goals, which she never stopped striving for.
Mom’s highest aim in life was love, and she loved all her life. We are so grateful for her, for her warm and caring heart. Rest in peace, dear Mom, rest in God’s heart. God is Love.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 20, 2022 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901. Internment will be private.
Memorial contributions in Faye’s name may be made to Doylestown Health Hospice, c/o Development Office, 595 West State Street, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901; P.E.O. International: Women helping women reach for the stars, at 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 or AAUW Doylestown – Scholarship Fund, 14 Sandy Knoll Dr., Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901.
