Marie Christianson

Marie was born on March 30, 1921 in Bemidji, MN to Hazel and Bill Avery. She graduated from Bemidji High School in 1938 and moved to Duluth with her family. She then graduated from Duluth Business College and worked as a secretary.

Marie married the love of her life, Fred Christianson, on March 9, 1945 and they had just celebrated their 46th anniversary when Fred passed away. Together they raised four children. They also cared for over 100 foster children and loved them all. They received a plaque form the state of MN in 1977 for their outstanding care as foster parents. After Fred passed away, Marie started volunteering her time at Wesley Assisted Living for many years. She finally decided it was time for her to retire there too. She still continued to volunteer until health issues made that impossible. While at Wesley, Marie met her special friend, George Johnson, on December 24, 2005, and they have been very close ever since. They have shared many cribbage and scrabble games over the years.

Marie is survived by her children, Sharon (Rick) Cox, Arnold (Denise), Peggy (Pastor Michael) Lawlery, Marne (Bob) Hammond; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and special friend, George Johnson.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Christianson; her parents; three sisters; one brother; and her foster daughter, Shannon Newquist on November 10, 1997.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service on Monday, November 18, 2013 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N 56th Ave W, in Duluth.

Interment will be at Oneota Cemetery.

To leave a memory of Marie or words of support, please visit www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com