Karen J. Christiansen Davidson, “Chri

Died peacefully, Thursday, November 17, 2011 at home in Delafield, Wisconsin, surrounded by family.Chrissie was born Karen Joan Christiansen in Appleton, Wisconsin, March 30, 1939 to Helen Hagman Christiansen Wick and Donald Christiansen. Karen is a graduate of Sheboygan North High School class of 1957. Karen was an active Alpha Chi Omega at UW and participated in numerous campus activities including dramatic roles in Humorolgy and other productions. After earning a B.S. in education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962, Karen moved to Denver to teach Kindergarten. The education of children was a lifelong passion. She was an avid skier and gardener who cherished nature's beauty. Chrissie was generous community volunteer, serving as President of the Elm Grove Junior Guild and as a member of the Elm Grove Women's Club, benefiting Waukesha County. She faithfully served First Congregational Church in Wauwatosa in many roles including teaching confirmation class and 3 year old Sunday school with both her adult daughters as co teachers.She was also a respected interior designer for more than 25 years. She attended Mount Mary College to continue her education. She was a great lover of music. She supported and enjoyed the Milwaukee area arts, especially the Milwaukee Ballet. She is survived by devoted former husband John A. Davidson, and their daughters Carrie Davidson (Bob) Wood, and Amy Davidson (Michael) Unitan; beloved grandchildren, Katie, Jack and Olivia Wood and Rachel and Max Unitan; her brother John (Nancy) Christiansen, nieces and nephews, Lisa, Kevin and Karen Cwayna; Karen, Bill and Michael Davidson; David, Josh and Katie Christiansen and devoted friend Martha Hansen Murray Chaffin, as well as other extended family and dear friends.She is preceded in death by her parents Helen Hagman Christiansen Wick and Donald Christiansen of Appleton, Wisconsin, Stepfather Ashton Wick of Sheboygan, Wisconsin and her sister Sandra J. Christiansen Cwayna Halla of Edina, Minnesota.Special Thanks to Barb and Brian Haley (Twin Oaks Home) for their endless compassionate care. Your care givers were great, especially, Vicki and Liz who were there for her final chapter. Thank you also to Heartland Hospice care.A Memorial Service will be at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 1511 Church Street, Wauwatosa, on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please direct Memorials to: Karen J. Davidson Memorial Fund, Development Office, MOUNT MARY COLLEGE, 2900 North Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53222. It was her wish to enable those who pursue higher education to enrich the lives of others.