Elfie R. Christiansen, 91, Burlington, died June 2, 2015, at Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Chicago on July 31, 1923, to the late Thomas E. and Elfie (Wold) Rooney. Her early life was spent in Chicago where she attended Our Lady of the Angels School, Providence High School and St. Xavier’s College.
On May 15, 1943, in Chicago, she married George W. Christiansen. They lived in Chicago until they moved to Franklin Park in 1956 where they raised their family. They had a vacation home in Burlington and following retirement in 1988 they made Burlington their home. George preceded her in death on March 5, 1993.
She was vice president of Mid-Coastal Handling Company, the company she and George owned for over 30 years. She was active at St. Gertrude’s Church as a Eucharist Minister, and a member of the Franklin Park’s Women’s Club. After moving to Burlington she became an active member of St. Mary Church where she served on the Ministry of the Sick, Daughters of Isabella, volunteered with Burlington Memorial Auxiliary and VFW. She was a member of the Ladies of the Lake in Bohners Lake, and was also an associate of the Order of the Sisters of St. Francis. Elfie’s faith was very strong and it showed on a daily basis through her loving ways and many ministries.
Survivors include her children, Elfie (Douglas) Smith, Chicago, Thomas (Janice) Christiansen, Seattle, Wash., Sue (Randolph) Ciabattoni, Burlington, Patricia (Charles) Kelly, Naperville, Ill.; grandchildren, Matthew (Debra) Christiansen, Corrie (Brian) Becker, Elfie Jane (Mark) Repel, Patrick Smith and Katherine Kelly; great-grandchildren, Calvin Christiansen, Emma Christiansen, Abbie Christiansen, Ava Becker, Lucy Becker, Graham Christiansen and Elfie Eileen Repel.
Elfie was further preceded in death by her an infant son; brothers, Edward Rooney, Dr. George Rooney, John Rooney, Dr. James Rooney and Attorney Robert Rooney.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Burlington Rehab and Aurora Memorial Hospital and caregiver, Robertta Lyon and a special thank you to Dr. Martin Baur. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 5, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Burlington, beginning at 10 a.m., with the Rev. James Volkert officiating. Visitation is at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington, on Thursday, June 4, from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be June 5, at 2:30 p.m., at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, Ill.
The family has asked that memorials go to St. Mary’s Church, Burlington.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
-
-
-
-
-