Colette Christensen
Colette Christensen
Colette Christensen passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2025. She was born on March 7, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Suquamish, Washington, where she helped build the family’s log home — an experience that stayed with her throughout her life.
Colette graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1958, where she met her future husband, Dale Christensen, and formed many lifelong friendships. She married Dale in 1960, and raised three children — Dennis, David, and Connie — in their beloved Phinney Ridge neighborhood. The family shared many adventures close to home and built treasured, lifelong friendships with their neighbors.
Colette’s happy place was the family cabin on Whidbey Island, where countless memories were made over the years. She had a deep love for sports and never missed a game, proudly cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted fan of the UW Huskies, she celebrated many seasons with tailgate parties and gatherings with close friends, whether at the stadium or watching from home.
Colette also loved decorating, gardening, and hosting family gatherings. Her deep love for her large, extended family was a constant presence in her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, and her eldest son, Dennis. She is survived by her son David (Michelle) Christensen, daughter Connie (Rick) Zapp; grandchildren Katie (Michael) Johnson, Chandler (Annamaria) Hidalgo-Christensen, Bruno Christensen, Reagan Christensen, and Marilyn Zapp; and her cherished great-grandchildren Myles, Nolan, Winter, and Brooks. She is also survived by her brother Brian (Sharon) Wartman, her sister Paddy (John) Moran of Fremont, CA and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 14th at 2pm at the Niles Country Club, Mountlake Terrace. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the NK Alumni Scholarship Fund (2644 171st Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98008) or to your favorite charity. This is a Celebration, consider wearing purple or sparkles for the occasion.
11 Responses to “Colette Christensen”
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Connie, your mother was beautiful. We will be there with you in spirit.
God bless all of you who loved her.
Colette was one of my Mom’s best friends for years. They talked on the phone every morning at 8 am. Garage Sale buddies on Friday’s. Shared their kids sporting events. My heart goes out to all the family & friends that loved Colette. She is missed.
I was Dale and Colette’s first baby sitter for three kids. I really don’t think I was much older than they were. I had the good fortune to talk with Colette just a few weeks before she passed. We laughed and talked about the good old days like they were yesterday. Dale and Colette were dear friends to my mom and dad (John and Doreen Parkinson) and my brother Drue! She will be missed! I love you Colette!
My dear sister, Colette, you have been with me my entire life. Such a strong and loyal presence, how can I ever
reconcile that you are now gone? Your love, I know, will protect and shield me. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I miss you so much!
Love,
Paddy
On Easter Sunday May 20 l lost one of my dearest friends. Colette Christensen was a giving caring friend and l loved her and will miss her every day of my life. Rest well Colette.
My Husky dog and l will miss Colette game day touch down celebrations. The friend ship when we lived on Whidbey Island will be cherished for ever.Go Dogs.
I have good memories of Colette from NKHS days.
Class of 1958
So sorry for your loss. didn’t see Dale and Colette after graduation. She was a very nice person and Dale and I played Football together. They will be missed.
NKS ’58’ Suquamish
Colette was a kind and caring soul. A second mom to me, always kind and supportive. David and I met when we were 5 and became close after that. I’d been accidentally left behind at a park when my mom, who had five kids, left Bitter Lake Playfields, thinking I was hiding in the back of the station wagon. That was the first time Collette took me in and made me feel WELCOME AND safe. After that, and for decades, she did the same…I became very close with the family and lived in their home on and off…You will be deeply missed!
Collette was like my second Mom. I remember hiding under her sundeck when my Mom wanted to give me a Pixi haircut. On the beach at Whidbey Island she would shovel the rocks to make a path to walk to the water. She was always working in her yard. Loved he so very much, she will be very missed.
My dear Katie, please accept my deepest condolences. Your grandma was an amazing woman who provided a sense of constancy, security, strength, and love in your life. She loved you so much. She was always so welcoming and gracious. I am holding you gently in my heart. Be gentle with yourself while you allow yourself to grieve for as long as you need. I love you sweet girl. 💝