Christine Marie Marchand

Christine Marie Marchand was a young 64 years old when she passed away on January 28, 2025, in Bakersfield, CA. Christine was born on December 26, 1960, to Wallace “Wally” Benefield and Margaret Sullivan in Bakersfield, CA. Christine was the second born of three: brother Martin Benefield, and baby sister Nancy Wells. Christine’s mother, Margaret, always said she was her happiest, best-behaved baby. She said Christine would lay in her crib as a baby and keep herself occupied and soothed to the point that they would check on her because she was too quiet. Christine grew up in Bakersfield, graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1979.

Well, if you knew Christine, the quiet didn’t last long. She was very active in her church youth group growing up. In fact, that is where she met the ultimate love of her life, James “Jim” Marchand. They were married February 25, 1978, and spent almost 47 years together. Their love brought them four children: Alicia Marchand (the love child); Bradley Marchand (the only son); Jennifer Marchand (the complicated favorite); and Melissa Marchand (her baby). Along with many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces that all considered her as a mother figure in their life. Christine’s family was her life. Her main job was a stay-at-home mom, which is one of the hardest jobs a woman can take on, but she did so much for her family. She was an unconditionally loving daughter, wife, mother, aunt, and memaw.

In addition, Christine had a long ministry in the church. From Sunday school teacher, to children’s director at Central Baptist Church, and finally prayer warrior when she could no longer work with the children due to her rheumatoid arthritis, as well as several other minor jobs within the church. Christine’s faith in God never wavered through life’s hardships.

Christine was preceded in death by her father, Wallace Benefield. She leaves behind her husband Jim Marchand; children Alicia Marchand, Bradley Marchand and wife Katy, Jennifer Marchand and husband Nicholas Aguirre, and Melissa Marchand; and grandchildren Max, Mason, Noah, and Oliver Aguirre, and Zoe and Zachary Marchand. Christine chose many years ago where her resting place would be. She will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Cemetery at 9101 Kern Canyon Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93306 in the Whispering Pines Garden on February 12, 2025. She insisted on a graveside-only ceremony. So, her family will honor her wishes for this, but will have a celebration of life reception afterwards at Fellowship Baptist Church 3001 Stine Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93309.