Obituary of Deanna Marian Christensen

Deanna Marian Christensen Deanna Marian Christensen (nee Gillespie) of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2009, at the age of 70. She was born on May 9, 1938 in Eston, SK. Deanna was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Edgar and Dorothy (Puley) Gillespie; sister, Peggy (Don and their daughter) Thompson; son, Mark; and step-sister, Arlyne (Lee) Gillespie. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ray Christensen; daughter, Krista (Gordon Sinnett and his children/grandchild); sons, Brent and Kelly (Rhonda Perry and her children); sister, Carol Gillespie and her family; brother, George Gillespie; step-mother, Mary Gillespie; step-brother, John (Heather) Bowen; step-sister, Karren Bowen (Roly Hurley); extended family members on both sides of the family, and many good friends. Deanna was a writer/researcher specializing in Plains Indian history and Saskatchewan history. Her final project was commissioned by the Ahtahkakoop First Nation. She was asked to write a history of Chief Ahtahkakoop and his people which resulted in a highly acclaimed 844 page book that took 12 years of painstaking work. At the book launch, Chief Barry Ahenakew honoured Deanna with the Cree name, Okihcihtw-iskww? which means, Warrior Woman?. Those of us who knew and loved Deanna, know how truly appropriate that name was for her. Deanna was involved in several organizations during her lifetime but she was particularly proud of her 35 year association with Saskairie, an outdoor education facility. She was also a co-facilitator with SOS, a grief support group, for 15 years; her gentle wisdom helped the newly bereaved believe that healing was possible. In 2005, Deanna was diagnosed with an aggressive form of neurodegenerative disease involving the frontal lobes of the brain. It was an unrelenting battle that she fought with courage and dignity. We would like to thank the staff at Parkside Extendicare for their care and compassion over the past three years, as well as a very special resident and roommate, Rose Seitz, for being a good friend and keeping a watchful eye on Deanna. We would also like to express our gratitude to Dr. Earle DeCoteau and Dr. William Johnstone for their professional expertise, and for treating Deanna with the utmost respect. Flowers are gratefully declined, however those who wish to do so may consider making a donation to the Saskatoon City Hospital Geriatric Assessment Unit, c/o Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation, 701 Queen St., Saskatoon, SK, S7K 0M7 or on-line at www.saskatooncityhospitalfoundation.com/DonationForm (in Other? field, specify Geriatric Assessment Unit). Deannas Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2009 at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. Reception will follow. Interment will take place at a later date. An online book of condolences may be signed and a Webcast of Deannas service may also be viewed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com