Christensen, Barbara
SCHENECTADY — Barbara Christensen, a longtime resident of Schenectady, passed away surrounded by her family, on January 7, 2022, at the age of 84.
Barbara was born on September 26, 1937, in Groton, Conn. to her parents, LeRoy and Bertha Lamb. Barbara received her nursing degree from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. While in nursing school, Barbara met her husband Robert whom she would spend the next 64 years with. In 1959, they moved to Schenectady, where she and Bob raised their three children: Robin, Karl, and Karen and made countless lifelong friends.
Barbara was a nurse for many years, first working at Brigham Women’s Hospital in Boston, Ellis Hospital and later at Bellevue Women’s Hospital. At the end of her career, Barbara worked at the Bellevue Breast Care Center where she was the liaison between patients and oncologists. Barbara’s knowledge and compassion brought hope to countless patients across the Capital District, assisting them in navigating challenging times.
Barbara enjoyed traveling and together, she and Bob traveled the world. More than anything, however, Barbara loved simply being with family and friends. She was a kind and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She was a caring and loyal friend and anyone fortunate to become one of hers was truly blessed. Her home was warm and welcoming, her table always elegant, the meals she served delicious, and the conversation lively and delightful. Barbara always gave generously of her time. For years she and Bob volunteered at the Northeast Regional Food Bank. Along with Bob, she was a longtime member of the Sons of Norway where she served as secretary and of the Scandinavian Forum for which she hosted many wonderful get togethers.
The most remarkable thing about Barbara was her always hopeful and selfless outlook on life. No matter how difficult her situation Barbara displayed courage and grace, always focusing on those around her and concerned that they were okay. In that regard she was a lesson for us all.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Robert Christensen; her sister, Prudence Kelln; and her brother, LeRoy Lamb. She is survived by her children, Robin (John) Mann, Karl (Carolyn) Christensen, and Karen (George) Szary; grandchildren, McKenzie La Combe, Riley Mann, Charlotte Christensen, Jenna Christensen, Emily Szary, and Eliot Szary; great-grandchildren, Merrick and Wyn LaCombe; her sister, Diane Lamb; sister-in-law, Helge (Rich) Lamb Geiger, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in the spring.
Contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Capital District YMCA, 465 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY, 12205, and/or The Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland, NY, 12084.