Christine Christensen (neé Jerzyk), 76, of North Haven, beloved wife of Arthur H. Christensen Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain with her family by her side. She was born in Thionville, France on January 19, 1948 to Matthew and Wladyslava (Bus’) Jerzyk. She came to the United States in her early years growing up in Wallingford. She attended Wallingford schools and graduated from Lyman Hall High School where she proudly watched her children graduate from the same school. In 2012 she relocated to The Christensen family home in North Haven, CT.
She met her beloved Corky in 1970 and wed in 1971. They started their family in 1972 and together they had 3 children. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on January 9th.
Family was always number one. What ever crazy idea her kids had (and there were many) she was always right behind them cheering them on. From dance lessons, to dance competitions, cheerleading, tee ball, baseball and whatever adventures or sports they picked up as adults, you knew she was a phone call away.
Christine loved her dog Tasha, who could do no wrong. No matter what Tasha destroyed or chewed she would never get mad. Her greatest joy was her four grandchildren. No matter time of day or weather, if one of the grandkids had a game she was there to cheer them on. From blazing heat of volleyball, softball, soccer and tennis to the frigid days of lacrosse she was in the stands. She loved to make holidays special for family and was always cooking and decorating the house for us all to gather. If you knew her, you knew she had a unique love of shopping. Not just any shopping – it had to be on sale or clearance and you must always have a coupon involved. She would take her grandkids shopping and always come home with their bargains to show off that they found with Grandma. She enjoyed many trips with her family to Alaska, Disney, Vegas, NYC and Mass. During the summer she looked forward to family gatherings in Vermont.
She loved children (most of all her grandkids) and enjoyed her time with her little ones. She worked as a preschool teacher at Dolphin Days in Durham for many many years. She was the beloved Miss Christine to many children and families who were lucky enough to have her as their teacher. Every child in her classroom was special to her and she loved to tell stories about their accomplishments no matter how big or small. She had a way about her that even the toughest child thrived in her room.
In addition to her husband, she was the best Mom of her daughters Charlene Garcia and her husband Scott of Newington, Carolyn Anderson and her husband Michael of Farmington, and her son Arthur M. Christensen and his wife Michelle of Willington. She was the proud, amazing and always say “yes” Grandmother of Gage Garcia, Grant Garcia, Suzette Scheer, and Elissa Christensen. Super Sister to Matthew Jerzyk and Michalina Centofanti. She was predeceased by her parents Matthew and Wladyslawa, her brother Richard Irzyk and her in laws Arthur H. Sr and Josephine Christensen. She had numerous nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
With a quick smile and easy conversation she welcomed all. She was one in a million and will be greatly missed by all.
The visiting hours will be Thursday, February 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Saint Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 127 North Orchard Street, Wallingford on Friday morning, February 2nd at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
Miss Christine went to my church when I was a child growing up and I was friends with her son when we were young children. But I didn’t truly get to know her until my son had her as a teacher at Dophin Days. She was kind, nurturing and always was smiling when we saw her. My son absolutely loved her.
My prayers and condolences for her family and for all those who will miss her.
Words cannot express how much Miss Christine impacted us. She was always there to bounce ideas off of and lend a hand to complete the craziest of ideas. Always smiling and loving everyone who came in contact with her. Love Wendy Michael and Rachel
‘Miss Christine’ was the highlight of the day for my grandchildren, Grayce, Jackson and Alexandra. Drew. All three have had the honor and pleasure of having Miss. Christine as their teacher. They love her dearly and still speak of her every time I drive them to Dolphin Days School in Durham. Alexandra is currently assigned to Miss Christine’s classroom. When Alexandra, who is three years of age, comes to our home, she proudly announces to us, “Nana and Pappa, we are going to play school, I am Miss Christine, and you are my students.” She then proceeds to be ‘Miss Christine,’ her beloved teacher. I will miss my time meeting with Christine in the morning whenever I dropped off the children. We always had a great discussion and I always found Christine to be happy and always smiling. She will be sorely missed. God Bless you Christine. You’ve made a wonderful impact on the lives of countless children. Ed & Patty Drew
We have had the privilege of Christine’s friendship for close to 55 years !! We have had a lot of good times and special trips together! Always had New Years dinner together! She was a sweet and generous friend!
I will miss her and her smile! New Years won’t be the same without you !
May God hold you close to his heart ! Be at peace we love you.
God bless you and your family
Joe and Josie Goulett
To the Family of Christine,
Christine was a classmate from Lyman Hall (1966). I remember her as a sweet and quiet young girl. I am glad to have read that she had a happy and fulfilling
life. My sincere condolences to her family.
Valarie (Horton) Rainone
LHHS/66
I was extremely fortunate to have worked with Christine for 15 years at Dolphin Days. I always enjoyed our morning talks at the beginning of each day. Every year at Christmas when we bring out our ornaments to put up on the tree, I always mention the beautiful handmade ornament that Christine made for each teacher one year. I will continue to treasure that ornament each Christmas. She was such a dedicated teacher and I am so grateful for all that I learned from her.
Love,
Meghann, Lucy, and Claire
Cork we’re so sorry for your loss continue to love your family your one of the best