Annette Louise Christiansen

Annette was born Annette Louise Bjorkman in Watertown, South Dakota, to Gertie and Alfred Bjorkman. She cherished memories of time spent with her grandfather and extended family on their farms, fishing with her father, helping her mother care for others, and nurturing the many barn cats she adored.

At age fifteen, her family made the life-changing move to Oregon, inspired by her older brother’s glowing descriptions of its beauty. The breathtaking view of Mt. Hood from the train window made a lasting impression, but adjusting to a new home, school, and way of life was challenging for her. During high school, Annette worked as a nurse’s assistant in the maternity ward at the now-closed General Hospital. She graduated from North Salem High School in 1954 and went on to work for a family physician until 1965.

On March 18, 1960, she married Arthur Christiansen. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Julie and Jill, during their first decade of marriage. Annette and Art shared a loving life together until his passing in 2012.

Salem Heights Elementary School became a cornerstone of Annette’s life, both personally and professionally. She began as a devoted room mother—baking treats, chaperoning field trips, and becoming a familiar, beloved presence—before being hired as a library aide. Later, she spent thirteen years as a kindergarten aide before retiring in 1999. Some of her most enduring friendships were formed during her years at Salem Heights, and she treasured the monthly luncheons with her fellow retired colleagues.

Gardening was Annette’s lifelong passion. Her beautiful yard, filled with a vibrant array of flowers and plants, was a place of constant care and joy. From her morning coffee to the evening stars, she could be found tending her garden and feeding the birds. Her home was a gathering place for family, friends, and neighborhood children, especially during the holidays when her yard was filled with decorations and laughter.

Following the sudden loss of her husband, Westminster Presbyterian Church became a source of comfort and connection. Annette served as a Sunday school teacher, twice as a deacon, and lovingly arranged flowers for services whenever needed.

Annette was fiercely determined to live life—and grow older—on her own terms. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Signature Hospice for their tender, compassionate care during her final months, and to Windsong Memory Care at Eola Hills, First Call, and Bonaventure South Salem, for their care and support

Annette is survived by her daughters Julie, Jill (David) Rittenhouse, and three grandsons, Zachary, Joshua and Matthew. Other survivors include her nieces Carol Andersen and Kay Loftis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Art Christiansen, her parents and older brothers.

To honor her, a memorial service is planned on Sat, June 7th at 1:00pm at Virgil T Golden Funeral Home at 605 Commercial St SE in Salem, OR.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Annette’s memory may be made to Salem Friends of Felines or the Alzheimers Association / Oregon and SW Washington Chapter.