Obituary of Priscilla Christianson

Dr. Priscilla Christianson, age 89, wife of Daniel Christianson, passed away on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at her home with her devoted husband and family at her side.

Born in Albania, arriving in the USA at the age of three, she was the daughter of Teddy and Marigo Vero of Bridgeport. Priscilla graduated from Bassick High School, attended Southern Connecticut State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree, and started her career in teaching in the Bridgeport School System at Columbus School. After one year, she moved on to the Darien School System, where she taught at Holmes School and Middlesex Middle School for 33 years before retirement in 1997. She also earned a Master's Degree at the University of Bridgeport. Loving learning as she did, Priscilla decided to continue her education at Teachers College, Columbia University where she earned a Master of Education degree and Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Teaching. Priscilla attended a summer program at Oxford University, sponsored by the University of California at Berkeley. She often said that it was one of the best experiences in her life. In addition, she attended many workshops and lectures centered on teacher improvement.

After Priscilla retired, she wanted to do something academic and creative. She joined the Institute for Professional Development, now called Learning for a Lifetime, at Fairfield University where she audited many courses. She served on the board and became chairperson for four years. She often said that Fairfield University was a treasure to the community. Priscilla also served on the board at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities and was the first vice president for the Lifelong Learners. As part of her duties, she recruited speakers for Lifelong Learning classes, which were well attended and added so much to the learning environment of the community.

Priscilla spent many years at Silvermine Art School in New Canaan. She called herself a "dabbler" as she took one course after another - drawing, landscape, still work, and portraiture; using pencils, acrylics and oils. Priscilla entered art shows and was fortunate enough to sell many of her paintings. It gave her pleasure to realize that many homes housed her work.

She leaves behind her loving family, her sister and best friend JoAnn Mahoney, daughter Lorraine (Mark) Parsons, daughter-in-law Peggy Crossin, grandchildren Eileen Crossin Moore, Kathleen Engeldrum, Maura Crossin, Michael Parsons, Ellen Markman, Dr. Christine Parsons, Laura Accettura; also, her darling great grandchildren, Patrick and Emma Engeldrum, Greyson Moore, and many dear nieces and nephews. Priscilla will miss her stepdaughter Ingrid Ellerbrock, and son-in-law Jake, also, her "California boys" Will and David Ellerbrock. She will join her late son Patrick Christopher Crossin whom she loved and missed who passed away in March of 2015. The best thing that ever happened to Priscilla was meeting her husband, Dan Christianson. "He was the love of my life," she said. Together they traveled the world and enjoyed just being together and experiencing simple joys. Being with their families and friends was important to them; giving parties and entertaining were highlights. Priscilla was a planner and organizer. "It was my job," she said.

Services for Priscilla will take place Friday, December 15th 10:30 AM at First Church Congregational in Fairfield. Her burial will immediately follow at Oak Lawn cemetery in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Thirteen PBS, PO Box 1313, New York, NY 10101, www.thirteen.org, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org.