Eleanor Jean Christen
SCOTTSDALE – Eleanor Jean Christen (Jeanne), 81, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on February 22, 2023. Jeanne was born to John and Lettie Starr in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on June 2, 1941. Jeanne had deep love and devotion to her family and friends. She often enjoyed reading, dancing, singing and made sure to often recite her own tune: “Hubba hubba ding ding I got lots of everything!”.
Jeanne had a passion for her work and enriched the lives of everyone she surrounded herself with. She was President of the Arizona Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) followed by serving on the ASCLS National Board as Region X Director. Additionally she was President of the Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity and served several years on the National Certification Agency Board. During this time she was also the Director and faculty member for the Phoenix College Medical Assistant Program. After her retirement, Jeanne continued mentoring students to help them achieve their academic goals. She did this up to her passing.
Jeanne is survived by her husband, Charlie Christen, of 63 years; sister Barbara (Jim) and her two sons Craig (Carol) and Mark (Cat). Other survivors include her five grandchildren Jessica Salazar, Nicole Christen, Jonathan Christen, Jasmine McAvan and Andrew McAvan; and her great grandchildren Jordan, Josselyn, Lilah and Evan.
Known as Nana to many, mom to some, and dear to one, Jeanne will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284.
In lieu of gifts, the family requests donations be made to:
The Juanita Johnston Scholarship Fund MCCCD Foundation 2419 W. 14th Street Tempe, AZ 85281 or Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity 8254 Las Vegas Blvd. #1316
Las Vegas, NV 89123