Eileen Christensen-Fortino

Eileen Christensen-Fortino of East Lansing, Michigan passed away April 11, 2014 at the age of 88. Eileen was born February 14, 1926 in Lansing, Michigan. She attended Resurrection High School and graduated from St. Lawrence Mercy School of Nursing in 1947. Eileen was a lifelong resident of the Lansing area. She was also a dedicated parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Eileen was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenard Christensen (1989); son, Thomas Christensen (2010); and daughter, Kathleen Christensen (2004). She was also preceded by her husband, Dr. Mario S. Fortino (2012).

Surviving to cherish her memory are her four children: Mary Jo (F. Douglas) Stacks, Dr. David (Kate) Christensen, Jan (Christopher) LaRose, and Joni (Michael) Christensen-Burgess; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Christensen; dear friend and caregiver, Rhonda Carberry; thirteen grandchildren; and fifteen great grandchildren. Also surviving Eileen are her siblings, Mrs. Mae Hostetler, Dr. Joseph (Marilyn) McMahon, and Mr. James McMahon; the children of her husband, Dr. Fortino, Dr. Linda (Mark Greenstone) Fortino, Nancy (Eric) Bates, Robert (Jodi) Fortino, and Susan (Jeffrey Brown) Fortino; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Mark J. Inglot at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, Michigan; a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 14, 2014, with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.