Elaine Kristen's Obituary
Elaine Vivian Kristen, a long-time resident of Redwood City, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2020, at the age of 97. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, she was the second of two children of Adam Andert and Johanna Daniella Gottschalk and was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence Andert. In 1943, Elaine married Victor Kristen, literally the boy next door. Their loving partnership lasted nearly 70 years. Vic’s position as an engineer with Ampex brought them to the Bay Area in 1971.
Elaine was the loving mother of two daughters, Carol Kristen-Burns and Christine Kristen, the loving grandmother of Ryan Burns (Haley Graber), Regan Burns (Matteo Cafiso) and Kristen Burns (Dan McCloy), and the loving great-grandmother of Julius, Iris, Sadie, Emilia, Spencer and Charlie.
Elaine was a retiree of United Airlines, where she was an executive secretary; she was an active member of the South Bay United Airlines Retiree’s Club after retirement. She was an avid rose grower, serving on the Peninsula Rose Society Board and as President for many years, and as a Consulting Rosarian, a member of the American Rose Society and the Royal National Rose Society (England). At one time, she lovingly tended over 100 rose bushes in her garden. Elaine was also fabulous at knitting, and she was a long-time member of the Loyal Circle at St. Simon Lutheran Church in Chicago. Outgoing and social, she was known for her positive attitude on life, and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Many thanks to the Staff of Westborough Royale Assisted Living Facility for all the care and comfort they gave to Elaine in her final years, as well as Sutter Hospice for all their kindness and care in her final days. Memorials can be made to the Peninsula Rose Society.
What’s your fondest memory of Elaine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elaine?
Share a story where Elaine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elaine you’ll never forget.
How did Elaine make you smile?