Obituary of Geraldine P. Christensen
Geraldine Phoebe Christensen of LaPorte, TX, passed away on June 30, 2024, in her 83rd year. Born on January 30, 1941, in Tampa, FL, Geraldine was the middle child of Drs. Joseph and Phoebe DeRose who were both dentists in Clifton, NJ. She grew up in Clifton with her older sister Diane and younger sister Ernestine. The family often visited Uncle “Duffy” (Dante) and Aunt “Pia” (Josephine) DeRose at their 12-acre estate “Pinecrest” in Franklin Lakes NJ. Geraldine graduated from Benedictine Academy High School in 1958, and then from The College of Mount St Vincent in 1962 where she earned a BA in English. She then became a fine elementary school teacher. Geraldine brought a great deal of energy, enthusiasm and dedication to everything she did in life. She was an outstanding leader, and she became President of many of the organizations she participated in. This includes the Yeager Parent Teacher Organization, the Junior Forum, the Champions Women’s Club, the Houston Grand Opera Fund Drive, the Houston Symphony Society, Gourmet Clubs, the Italian Club, the Houston Yacht Club Women’s Sailing Association and Windward Bound Ladies Camp, and the Ladies Reading Club of LaPorte. She was an excellent cook and taught many gourmet cooking classes through the years to adults and children. She also sang beautifully and was in the choir at St Mary’s for many years.
In 1965 she married Wayne H. “Buzz” Christensen, JR. and they experienced 54 years together. She was extremely proud of their three children. She was a wonderful wife and a loving mother. She had a feisty personality, and she stood up for herself, her family, and her beliefs. “Let us lead by good example” was her motto. Buzz and Geral were very adventurous and they traveled the world together. She personally visited at least 78 countries, and their home is flavored by items from all over the globe. They also enjoyed the comradery of playing Bridge in numerous Bridge clubs over many years. Gerry built so many good friendships in all of her social spheres. She was very generous and loved to entertain. She hosted so many fabulous dinner parties and gatherings for family and friends. The memories of these events will last forever with those that knew and loved her.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Phoebe DeRose, and her husband Wayne H. Christensen JR. She is survived by her sisters Diane Murgio and Ernestine DiLorenzo, and by her children Wayne H. Christensen III, Robert Christensen, and Jill Christensen Hutton, and by her grandchildren Ian and Zachary Hutton.
A funeral mass will take place at St Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
816 Park Drive, LaPorte TX 77571 on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2 pm.
Flowers may be sent to St Mary’s. Gifts to the following Charities may also be sent to:
- Autism research Texas, 2617 W Holcombe, C, #285, Houston, TX 77025
https://www.autismresearchtexas.org/
- The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
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