Dorothy Jean Christiansen–Age 99, a resident of Alden's Retirement Community in Aurora, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2023. She was born November 27, 1923, in the city of Chicago to Charles and Elsie Moberg (nee Willis).

Jean graduated from Bowen High School in 1941. Afterward, she attended the Chicago Teachers College and graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1945. She then started working in the Chicago Public School System and received her Master of Arts from Northwestern University in 1949.

In 1951, Jean married her hometown sweetheart, Erwin Melvin Christiansen. They had two daughters, Beth and Carol, and the family moved to the suburb of Flossmoor in 1967. Her true passion was her girls who both recall her as a loving and giving mother.  She worked hard to make sure they had life full of opportunities like dance, music and education.

She was dedicated to enhancing the lives of others, and upon settling in Flossmoor began teaching kindergarten in the local school system. In 1987, she was recognized as an outstanding classroom teacher by the Illinois Teacher of the Year "Those Who Excel" program.

Jean and Erwin retired to the Aurora-Naperville area in 1993 to be closer to family. Jean was a strong woman of faith and a member of Calvary Church in Naperville. For most of her adult life she taught Sunday school. She also assisted Erwin to share the good news of Jesus Christ in chalk talks that they gave at churches and schools across the country. Some of her favorite retirement pastimes included gardening and feeding birds and wildlife.

Jean is survived by her children: Beth Marin (Peter), and Carol Dalton (Michael); her grandson Andrew Marin (Brenda) and her great-grandchildren Emmelia and Elijah Marin.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 2nd at 11:00 am in the Chapel at Calvary Church of Naperville (parking near door 7) with private interment at Cedar Park Cemetery in Calumet Park.