Myrtle D. (Eklund) Christensen

CROMWELL - Myrtle D. (Eklund) Christensen, 96, formerly of Springfield and Longmeadow, Massachusetts, the widow of David G. Christensen Sr., died Friday (June 22, 2007) at Pilgrim Manor in Cromwell after a brief period of declining health. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she lived most of her adult life in Massachusetts where she was a committed home-maker, mother, and community volunteer, and resided in Covenant Village in Cromwell for the last nine years. In all places she lived, she was known for her warmth, friendship, and gentle loving spirit. She led an active life of involvement and was a member of First Congregational Church in Springfield for more than sixty years, a volunteer at Wesson Memorial and Springfield Hospitals, the Longmeadow Homemakers Forum, co-president with her husband of the Springfield College Parent?s Association, and most recently and associate member of Berlin Congregational Church. During the retirement years she shared with her husband, they enjoyed frequent travel to Europe, throughout the United States, and most especially to visit with family. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, The Rev. David G. Christensen Jr. and his wife Carol of Berlin, and The Rev. James W. Christensen and his wife Marcia of Alton Bay, New Hampshire, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 65 years, she was predeceased by a great-grandchild, Daniel Gabriel Christensen. A memorial service will be held Monday (July 2, 2007) at 1pm at Berlin Congregational Church. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. A reception will follow the service in the Hilltop Lounge in Covenant Village, 52 Missionary Road, Cromwell. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ghana Missions, c/o of Berlin Congregational Church, 878 Worthington Ridge, Berlin, CT 06037, or to Ghana Missions, c/o First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 913, Wolfboro, NH 03894.