Marcella M. Christenson Bjork

Marcella Maria Nettie (Christenson) Bjork, 91, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2010 in Everett, Washington. She was born January 14, 1919 in Luverne, Minnesota to John and Minnie Christenson, and moved to Manchester, South Dakota at the age of one. When Marcella was 17, the family moved to Olympia, Washington, where she resided until her move to Everett in 2006.

Marcella married Edmund Bjork in 1940 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Olympia. During World War II when her husband was in the service, Marcella worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" at Jensville's assembly plant. After the War, she worked seasonally at the Olympia Canning Company. In the 1950's, Marcella was employed as kitchen manager with the Olympia School District's food services until her retirement in 1980.

She and Eddie were charter members of Faith Lutheran Church of Lacey, Washington. Marcella always enjoyed outdoor activities and travel. Her activities during her married life included camping, spending time at the ocean, and traveling with family by motor home. After Eddie retired from the Olympia Brewing Company, they enjoyed visiting Europe, especially Scandinavian countries; they also traveled across the United States and Canada by motor home eventually reaching all of our states.

After Eddie's passing in 1984, Marcella became very active in the Senior Center's walking club, Volksmarches, social events, and organizations including Red Hats and Random Acts of Kindness. She continued to travel widely with family members and friends. When she was at home, she enjoyed gardening, family activities, keeping up on current affairs, and playing with her dogs, Pharo and Kelty.

In 2006, Marcella moved to Washington Oakes retirement home in Everett where she continued her activities and travel with residents, family and in-laws.

Survivors are her son and his wife Drs. Barry and Lisa Bjork of Greenbank (Whidbey Island); one brother, Melburne (Verna) Christenson of Olympia; also several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death besides her husband and parents, were three brothers, Marlean, Melvin and Myron Christenson, and one niece.

The family wishes to thank the staffs and friends at Washington Oakes, the Seaview Adult Family Home in Everett, and the Providence Everett Hospice team of professionals and volunteers, who provided wonderful care during her years in Everett.

Memorials may be sent to your favorite charity. A service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 7075 Pacific Avenue, Lacey, Washington, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 9:30a.m., followed by a reception in the church, and burial at Masonic Memorial Cemetery, Tumwater.

Arrangements by Purdy & Walters with Cassidy, Everett, Washington 425-252-2191