Susan M Christensen

Susan M. Christensen, 84, passed away at her home on Samish Island July 28, 2026.

The oldest of four children born to Carl and Audrey (Driver) Nicholson, Susan was born December 19, 1941 in Spokane, WA. Theirs was a busy household and Susan grew up with an appreciation of nature, a love of family, and a strong sense of community - values she carried throughout her life.

Susan graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1960 and attended Washington State University. In 1963, Susan moved to Seattle and soon thereafter met the love of her life, Gerry Christensen, her neighbor at the Dolphin Apartments. They were wed on April 8, 1967 in Seattle and made their first home on Mercer Island. In November 1968, they moved north to Burlington to start their family and remained Skagit Valley residents for the remainder of her life.

While raising her young family and supporting her husband as he grew the Thrifty Foods grocery chain, Susan also followed her own entrepreneurial spirit and opened Needlepoints, LTD in Burlington with her sister-in-law, Linda. Needlework was not only a business, but a true passion for Susan – her grandchildren will hold dear the needlepoint Christmas ornaments she made for them each year, many of them stitched while riding up and down I-5 to one of their countless sporting events. It was when the shop closed that Susan truly found her calling as a volunteer and philanthropist for many Skagit Valley organizations including leading capital campaigns and board service for the Skagit Valley YMCA and the Museum of Northwest Art. Susan had a large and varied social network, including “the bridge group” with whom she played cards each month for 55+ years and her PEO chapter, where she was able to combine friendships and philanthropy. Susan was always at the ready with a delicious home baked treat for a friend in need, a celebration or just because – her banana bars were legendary. In addition to her ventures close to home, Susan and Gerry loved to travel; they visited many countries abroad, took yearly trips to Maui with family and friends, and spent weeks each summer boating in Desolation Sound. Susan also loved their home of 32 years on Samish Island where she tended a fabulous rose garden, hosted a festive Fourth of July party each year, and photographed many a stunning sunset.

Susan is survived by her husband, Gerald of Samish Island; daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Kurt Feldman of Bellevue; son and daughter-in-law, Geoff and Jill Christensen of Bow; grandchildren , Drew Feldman of Seattle, Alec Feldman of Samish Island, Garner Christensen of Burlington, Jaylen Christensen of Bow; brother, Mike Nicholson of Spokane; brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Jill Nicholson of Quincy; stepmother, Annie McCoy of Spokane; many nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Linda Nicholson Bray.

A private graveside service will be held Friday, August 7, 2026. A celebration of Susan’s life will be held Saturday August 8, 2026,11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N La Venture Rd, Mount Vernon with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Skagit Valley YMCA or the Skagit Regional Hospital Foundation.