Terri L. Christensen, 59, of Carson, California passed away suddenly at her home February 9th as a result of a pulmonary respiratory crisis. Terri was born on February 14, 1962, to Roger and Megan Christensen of Marne, Iowa. Terri grew up on the family farm north of Marne and carried the memories of her childhood in her heart. She decorated her California home with pictures of the farm, family, and friends.
After Terri graduated from Atlantic High School in 1980, she went on to study political science at the University of Iowa and then graduated from the University of California. She was a lover of animals, especially cats.
She was an avid sports fan of the L. A. Dodgers, Lakers and Cincinnati Reds. She discovered her love of competitive softball and bowling with the late Don and Jackie Pelzer and their sons Jeff and Jon Pelzer. She continued playing competitive softball and bowling up until the covid crisis. She never lost her passion for politics, which she inherited from her dad and grandfather George Christensen.
Though gone to soon, Terri did not lead an average life. She laughed often, loved her cats freely and treasured her friends. Terri was warm, kind, non-materialistic and had a dry wit and sense of humor.
Terri approached life with an open mind. Setbacks became a time to reflect. As a result of these life challenges, she transformed herself by helping others. The past 11 years she carried the message of God’s love and grace to those suffering from the mental and emotional torture of addiction. She was honored in March by the Torrance Alano Club for her faithful service. Her family is beyond grateful to the AA community of Torrance, California and specifically want to thank John Ginsbach for his love, loyalty, and support of Terri.
Terri was predeceased by her mother and father. She is survived by her best friend and partner John Ginsbach of Carson, Calf.; her sister Susan Christensen MD (Larry Booher) of Los Angeles, California and brother Bob Christensen (Kathy Mugan-Christensen) of Sioux City, Iowa. Her surviving nieces include Piper Graham, Sara Smith, Jennifer Peterson, and nephew Konrad Christensen.
A celebration of life will be held for Terri at Marne Methodist Church on July 16th at 10:30 a.m. Feel free to join the family for lunch following the celebration.
