Gwendylon Williams Christensen

1937 ~ 2020

On February 24, 2020, Gwendylon Williams Christensen, our dearest mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, returned home to God in Heaven. She was recovering at Hunter Hollow Rehab Center, in West Valley City, when she unexpectedly passed away from natural causes.

Gwendylon (Gwen) was born July 23, 1937 to kind and loving parents, James Clarence \"Shupe\" Williams and Cecil Dean Norton Williams. Around the age of five, Gwen, her parents, and her older brother Richard \"Dick\", whom she always adored and admired immensely, moved to Salt Lake City.

Gwen attended East High School and graduated in 1956. She then attended the University of Utah for two years, while also working two jobs, with the intention of becoming a social worker. She discontinued her studies when she met and married Jim Davis. They lived in Germany for two years, as Jim was stationed there with the military. Gwen was instrumental in loving and caring for Jim\s two young daughters, Jeannie and Janice, and raised them as her own. After divorcing, Gwen continued to care for and cultivate a relationship with his children, that lasted her entire life, always referring to them as "my girls".

As a profession, Gwen excelled as a Switchboard Operator at several businesses, and was often promoted to shift supervisor positions - an occupation she considered challenging and important. She was proud of her professional achievements and was employed by the LDS Church Offices, Hotel Utah, Ramada Inn, and Little America Hotel. While working at Little America, she met and fell in love with Lamont "Chris" Edward Christensen, who was working there as a part time security officer. On September 11, 1971, Gwen and Chris were married. Chris had two sons from a previous marriage, Lamont and Jeff, whom Gwen helped care for. Shortly after marriage, they purchased a home in Sandy, where they lived together for over 45 years.

On March 9, 1972, Gwen gave birth to twins, Phillip and Tammie. After their arrival, she left her career and devoted herself to loving and raising her children, supporting her husband, and tending to the many needs and challenges of family life. On May 25, 1979, Gwen and Chris were sealed together with their children, for time and all eternity, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Gwen\s kind, simple, dedicated approach to life and her family were evident - always putting the needs of others above her own. Her loving efforts made Holidays special, notably Christmas and Easter, and blessed her family with delicious homemade meals, breads, and treats.

She was creative and talented in many areas, including crocheting, embroidery and all types of sewing, painting, ceramics, as well as playing the piano, and maintaining gardens and flowerbeds.

The family enjoyed many outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and all sorts of games. Also, as an avid bowler, Gwen took the lanes by storm, participating in league play, both individually and on teams with her husband. She won several tournaments, and received many trophies and awards. When her body no longer allowed her to function at the public house of lanes, she took her game to the Wii Home Entertainment System, for hours of fun and entertainment at \"Christensen Lanes\".

Gwen was a dedicated fan of the Utah Jazz, who loved cheering for her favorite team, and rarely missed a game.

Gwen enjoyed country and western music her entire life, and used to play her classic record collection. She also enjoyed watching old musicals, going to movies, festivals, fairs, and plays.

In the latter part of Gwen\s life, she struggled and suffered greatly with many physical ailments, illnesses, and personal trials, including the loss of her independence and mobility, as well as the death of her husband in 2016. As her body wore out, she never gave up hope, stopped believing or fighting to be well. Her strength, courage, faith, and fortitude in the face of adversity, is a wonderful example to all.

When Gwen\s health declined, she developed an even stronger and unique relationship with her daughter Tammie. They comforted each other during tough times, and also experienced a multitude of special moments, fun activities, and adventures. Gwen was the kindest, most loving, caring, fun to be around, compassionate, devoted mother until the very end of her life.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gwen had a strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and His example, love, and sacrifice.

Gwen is survived by her children: Phillip (Sandy) Christensen, Tammie Christensen, Jeannie Dragon, Janice (Kenny) Rogers, Lamont (Renee) Christensen, Jeffrey Christensen; brother Richard (Shauna) Williams; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; two dogs and three cats.

Preceded in death by her husband, parents, and many other wonderful family members and dear friends, now celebrating and welcoming her Home.

Thank you, Gwen, for blessing our lives! You will ALWAYS be in our thoughts and hearts, until we meet again. We love you!

A viewing will be held Tuesday, March 3rd, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, March 4th, at 2:00 pm, with a viewing prior to the service, from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. She will be interred at the Sandy City Cemetery, next to her husband and parents, following the service, located at 9000 South 700 East, in Sandy.