Carole Janice Christianson

November 29, 1939 - January 9, 2026

With sadness we announce that Carole Janice Christianson’s story here on earth has come to an end. Carole passed peacefully on January 9, 2026 surrounded by her family and the legacy of kindness she spent a lifetime creating.

She is remembered with love by her husband, Dean; her daughter, Amanda (Mandi); son-in-law, Brian; grandchildren, Amelia and Henry; and the many friends, family, and loved ones who were blessed by her bright spirit. Carole is preceded in death by her children Lisha and Shane.

Carole had a rare and genuine curiosity about others. From the cashier at the grocery store to her dearest lifelong friends, she cared about people’s lives. She remembered the details that mattered—birthdays and anniversaries, travels and milestones, children and grandchildren, joys and struggles—and she always asked. Everyone who spoke with her felt seen, heard, and valued.

She was the beloved wife of Dean for 66 years, and their life together was marked by partnership, fun, and devotion. They were travel companions, frequent visitors to casinos, joyful dance partners, and active participants in the clubhouse activities of their neighborhood. Together, they built a life filled with shared experiences and enduring love.

Carole was a devoted, proud, and wonderful mother to Mandi, Shane, and Lisha. She poured herself into her children’s lives—spending countless hours driving Mandi to piano lessons, sharing adventures that ranged from all-day shopping marathons to spontaneous road trips, and hosting beautiful celebrations for every holiday and special occasion. Her table was always thoughtfully set, filled with special details that made gatherings feel fun and personal.

As a grandmother, she was a delight and absolutely cherished her grandchildren. She celebrated each grandchild for exactly who they are. When Henry was young, she turned her unfinished basement into a tricycle racetrack. In one legendary game of hide-and-seek, she hid under a bed so successfully that she stumped Amelia (at least she thought so). Her creativity and playful spirit created memories that will be treasured forever. Carole was so proud of her grandkids’ school projects, performances, sports endeavors, and she believed in them endlessly as they have grown into young adults.

She was a loyal and generous friend, known for long lunches filled with laughter and conversation, and in later years, hours spent on the phone maintaining those cherished connections. Relationships were not casual to her; they were something to be nurtured with intention and love.

Her life was not without profound sorrow. She endured the heartbreaking loss of two children. She found comfort and strength in her faith and in her lifelong pastor and spiritual home, Pastor Del, which remained a source of guidance and peace throughout her life.

She had impeccable style and a natural sense of beauty. Her home was welcoming and elegant, and she took pride in her appearance—insisting on putting on lipstick even in the final days of her life, a small reflection of her dignity and spirit.

Carole adored dogs, having at least 10 in her lifetime, and even raised a litter of puppies! She celebrated many years with her heart dog, Oliver, and her newest pup, Teddy, visited her almost every day in her last years.

Professionally, she dedicated her career to helping others. She served as the Administrative Director and a key member of the executive team at Arapahoe House, a nonprofit substance abuse treatment center. Brilliant and deeply committed, she wrote successful grants and oversaw the administration of a large and impactful organization.

She was an avid reader, devouring several books a month for most of her life, participating in book clubs, and sharing her love of reading with her children and grandchildren. She also adored music - she sang in a band, her grandmother was a pianist, and she passed down her musical gifts and adored hearing Mandi play the piano and Amelia singing musical theatre and rock.

She also gave generously of her time, volunteering for many years in local hospitals and community organizations. Ever curious and adventurous, she was always excited to try something new—whether learning mah jong or playing darts.

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the personal care given to Carole by the staff at Modena Cherry Creek and Brighton Hospice.

Carole will be remembered for her warmth and care, her playfulness, her elegance, and her boundless love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the example she set of how to live with kindness, curiosity, and grace.

Services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, beginning with a viewing at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service and reception at 10:00 a.m. at Olinger Crown Hill in the Serenity Pointe venue; 7777 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carole’s memory can be sent to Children’s Hospital Colorado https://www.childrenscolorado.org/ or the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance https://lobularbreastcancer.org/ as cancer affected two of her children’s lives.