Isabel R. Christensen


SHARON - Isabel R. Christensen died peacefully on Feb. 12, 2008, at the Sharon Health Care Center after a long illness. She was 88. She was the widow of Richard G. Christensen Sr., who died in 1996.

Isabel was born to Grace and Thomas McKee on Sept. 14, 1919, in Sharon. She graduated from Housatonic Valley High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball. Isabel was a member of the Methodist Church in Sharon.

She married Richard G. Christensen Sr. in Sharon on July 19, 1942.

During World War II, Isabel worked for a period of time with a defense contractor in Hartford to help with the war efforts. After her marriage to Dick, she traveled to Richmond, Va., with him, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force.

Isabel enjoyed the great outdoors and participated in fishing, camping, archery and shooting. She was a founding member of the Bit and Spur horse-riding club that hosted many horse shows and Gymkhanas in Amenia during the late 1950s and 1960s.

She enjoyed hosting parties and large barbecues, and being surrounded by family and friends.

Isabel also worked for the late federal Judge James Murphy and his wife, Katherine, on their estate in Sharon for several years.

Isabel was a devoted wife and mother who is survived by her son, Richard G. Christensen Jr., his wife, Karen, their daughter, Andrea, and their son, Ryan, of Clermont N.Y.; her son, Randy J. Christensen, his wife, Donna, their daughters, Marie and Kelly and their son, Corey, of Sharon; her sisters, Madeline Anderson of Sharon, Ester McEnroe of Amenia and Joan Riley and her husband, Jack, of Sharon; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by two brothers, John McKee and Thomas McKee, who were both distinguished veterans of World War II.

A gathering of family and friends Saturday, Feb. 16, will start at 10:30 a.m. and a service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. at the Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon.

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