Gayle Christensen's Obituary
Gayle Christensen, age 79 passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024. She was a warrior.
Born in New Orleans to the late Benjamin Christen and Elizabeth Miller Christen, dance was Gayle’s passion from an early age. This led her to Jazzercise, which she taught for nearly 30 years. Anyone who took her class at the old Covington Roller Kingdom or Slidell’s Pinewood Country Club (among other places) can attest to her infectious enthusiasm and energy. Gayle also loved teaching kids, whether it was through Junior Jazzercise, ballet, tap, jazz, or any other form of dance. In later years, Gayle was proud to work as a legal secretary for her son Grady’s law firm (and he was blessed to have her). There, she enjoyed showing off her shorthand writing.
Gayle was a stranger to no one. It was rare for her to get out of the grocery store without chatting with friends or drumming up a conversation with a stranger. People were drawn to Gayle’s sincere heart. Even in the hospital, it was not uncommon to find off-duty nurses taking time to sit and talk with her, just as if they were old friends. A true testament to her pure soul.
Gayle’s love of dance was exceeded only by her love for family and friends. She was especially proud of her three sons, Gerald (Kristin), Geoffrey, and Grady (Leigh), and her grandchildren, Zoe, Gerald, Theodore, Zachary, Quentin, Zia, Zeke, Grey, Elizabeth, Case, and Emerson. She also loved her Boston terrier, Beauregard.
Gayle reunites with her loving husband, Bruce Christensen, and, in addition to her children and grandchildren, leaves behind a brother, Sonny Christen, a nephew, George Christen, many extended family members and friends, and a lifetime of cherished memories.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Christensen may be made to St. Tammany Project Christmas, PO Box 4043, Slidell, LA 70459; https://stprojectchristmas.org/. Mass intentions are also welcome.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow at Hope Mausoleum, 4841 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Christensen’s funeral arrangements. Her family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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