Marilyn Joan Christensen

Marilyn Joan Christensen, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2022. She was born Feb. 9, 1942, in Highland Park, Ill. Marilyn lived in Fort Wayne since 1981 when her husband Chuck started working for Maloley's grocery stores and eventually owning Lynn's Super Markets with partner Dennis Schmidt. Widowed at age 53 after 32 years of marriage (Oct. 26, 1963), Marilyn never let the loss slow her down or lessen her impact as the greatest grandmother ever who entertained her grandchildren through deep dives into creative adventures of imagination, not to mention a suspicious tendency to always find a way to lose at every board or card game with them. As the second oldest of nine siblings, Marilyn was the glue of her family as they spread out across the United States and she maintained calls, letters, visits and general encouragement for all, including the next generation of nieces and nephews. She lived a life of service that reflected her strong Catholic faith, volunteering at nursing homes, churches, schools and in the neighborhoods wherever her husband's career in the grocery business took them. Her own career included 12 years as the Activities Director for the Transitional Care Unit at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne. An avid walker and gardener, Marilyn rarely stopped moving and stayed incredibly healthy. She was a diligent letter writer and took great pride in hand-written Christmas and birthday cards with a large contingent of friends, neighbors, co-workers and family. Building and maintaining relationships was a priority in her life as she worked hard to remember names, details, and special interests of everyone she met. Her calendar was always full with special gatherings of friends, neighbors and those in her life who needed some extra attention, care or support. Before succumbing to the grasp of dementia, Marilyn was a long-time volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, her neighborhood association, and as a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Brooklyn Ave. including helping with citizenship classes. Even in her time in the Memory Care Unit in the Towne House, Marilyn constantly took on the role of host, reliving her days as activity director, greeting every guest and looking to serve others. Special thanks to the incredible staff at the Towne House who lovingly supported her dignity, personality and health over the course of her three-year journey within the walls of their wonderful facility. She is survived by sons, Chuck (Lori) of Argyle, TX, Joe (Lori) of Warsaw, KY, and John (Jane) of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Alex of Austin, TX, Courtney (Chris) Bishop, Olivia, and Caleb, all of Fort Wayne; great-grandchild, Sterling Bishop of Fort Wayne; brothers, Pat McClory of Highwood, IL, Robert (Emily) McClory of Ketchikan, Alaska, Jack (Laura) McClory of Gurnee, IL, and James (Rosaura) McClory of Orlando, FL; and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank, on Feb. 1, 1996, and Mary, on Oct. 20, 1997, McClory; husband, Chuck, on July 14, 1995; brothers, Don, in 1995, Michael, in 2001, and Richard, in 2021; and sister, Jeannette VanHorn, in 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Friday, March 25, 2022, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 East Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, with a Rosary Service to begin at 3:30pm. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be directed to the St. Joseph Catholic Grade School, 2211 Brooklyn Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Marilyn's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com