Christensen, Sandy Wharton

Sandy Wharton Christensen - age: 60
(September 18, 1953 to December 22, 2013 )
Resident of Willits, California

Obituary:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sandy Wharton Christensen to cancer on the morning of December 22, 2013. She was born September 18, 1953 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was the eldest of four children and spent much of her childhood traveling throughout the world as her father was a civil engineer building airports around the world. She was raised in Willits from a age 12 and graduated from Willits High School in 1971. She went on to work at CDF (CalFire) for 27 years and enjoyed an early retirement with her husband. She was a cherished wife, adored mother, loving grandmother, and precious friend to many.

In dying, as in her life, Sandy was graceful and absolutely beautiful, and her last thoughts and deeds were about helping others. She was an active member of her community. She volunteered for the Mendocino Abalone Watch (MAW), Mendocino Area Parks Association (MAPA) and was a proud member of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens where she could often be found with her beloved dogs, Kiwi and Maggie.

We offer our sincere thanks to the many fine people who have, in their kindness, made grand gestures to commemorate Sandy's life.

Sandy leaves behind a devoted husband of 15 years, Kurt Christensen of Willits. Their adventures and shared heart in service for others will not be the same without her. Sandy also leaves behind a brother, Lenny Wharton of the Bay Area, a son, Todd Bashore, of Willits, a daughter, Christy Lannon and husband, Andris Lannon, and three grandchildren, Eden, Aya Rose, and Everett Lannon of Sacramento. Sandy would often spend three days a week in Sacramento as a member of Halau o Keikiali'i, immersing herself with her daughter and grandchildren in her Hawaiian roots with hula and music. She was a dedicated Tutu (grandmother) to many, including her "blonde granddaughters," Clara and Abigail Miller-Cory of Folsom. Sandy is survived by two very special nephews as well, Nick Christensen and Cody Goss of Redwood Valley. Cody was recently accepted for a position with CalFire and was able to share that wonderful news with Sandy before she passed. She was so proud. Nick is in his 2nd year of engineering school. Sandy's niece, Camryn Christensen of Willits, was also a cherished part of Sandy's world. In addition, Sandy leaves behind a very special neighbor, Amarah Potter, who will be keeping Sandy's flower garden growing out in front of her Raymond Lane home for passersby to continue to admire.

Sandy passed in peace at home with her husband and daughter at her side. We know that her deepest regret was that she could not give more for longer.
A memorial will be held in her honor Saturday, January 18, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Little Lake Grange; 291 School Street, Willits, CA 95490. Donations can be made to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens; 18220 California 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.