CHRISTENSEN Melva

MELVA NEILSON CHRISTENSEN of Magrath, Alberta passed away peacefully on January 1, 2013 at the Raymond Hospital, at the age of 93.
Melva was born in Magrath, Alberta to Earl Neilson and Geneva Passey Neilson on April 22, 1919. She was married to her beloved husband Norman Beck Christensen on March 23, 1940, and they spent the next 61 years together. During that time, they ran the town blacksmith shop and farmed west of town. After finishing her schooling in Magrath, Melva worked at various jobs, including one at Denny’s Own Ice Cream Parlor. While Norman’s love of ice cream first brought him to Denny’s, he kept coming back because of the girl behind the counter that he had fallen in love with. After their marriage Melva spent time raising her family, cooking and baking delicious food, making beautiful quilts and driving the school bus. Of her many talents, she was most proud of her garden and the joy her exquisite flower arrangements brought to her family and the countless friends she shared them with.
Melva is survived by her daughter Joan (Barrie) Steed and her son Kim (Joy) Christensen and brothers Blaine Neilson and Kay (Shirley) Neilson. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Norman Christensen, parents Earl and Geneva Neilson, sister Pearldene and brothers Merlin, Kenneth and Robert.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Garden Place Chapel (170 N Center Street), Magrath, AB on Saturday, January 5th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
Friends may meet the family at the Garden Place Chapel, Magrath, AB on Saturday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the Service. Interment in the Magrath Cemetery, Magrath, AB.
E-mail your condolences to: legacyfh@telus.net
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Berry Gorham of Legacy.
Legacy Funeral Homes Ltd.
P.O. Box 208
Cardston, Alberta T0K 0K0
Phone (403) 653-3222
Fax (403) 653-3677
legacyfh@telus.net