Rosa Christensen

Rosa Christensen of Chicago passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 92.

Rosa dedicated more than 40 years of her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse, a profession she embraced with compassion, strength, and unwavering kindness. A Christian woman of deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, she was deeply devoted to her family and extended family. Rosa was the cherished wife of Harry Christensen for 57 wonderful years and a loving and proud mother to her son, Mark, whom she adored. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and joyful memories.

Rosa was born in Baghdad, Iraq, to parents who survived World War I and, under difficult circumstances, walked from Urmia, Iran, to Baghdad in search of safety and a better life. Her mother, Soraya, was a strong and loving Assyrian Christian woman who raised five children—along with others lost in infancy—and instilled in Rosa the same deep Christian faith and resilience that guided her throughout her life. Rosa remained very close with all of her siblings: Laya, Youlia, Jonathan, and Melina.

Independent and determined from an early age, Rosa became known as the first woman driver in her family in Baghdad, proudly driving her blue Volkswagen Beetle, which she shared with her beloved younger sister, Melina.

She earned her nursing degree in Baghdad and became the first member of her family to immigrate to the United States at the age of 25 through sponsorship from a Seventh-day Adventist hospital. After arriving in America, Rosa helped sponsor and assist many members of her family with immigration and settlement. She lived with her sister Melina and niece Shirley, both of whom she loved dearly.

The majority of Rosa’s nursing career was spent at Augustana Hospital and University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System in Chicago. At the UIC Eye Surgery Center, she helped prepare and care for countless patients with compassion and dignity. Known for her generosity, Rosa often provided meals and comfort to patients and families during difficult times.

Beyond her professional life, Rosa was a pillar of Sauganash Community Church and was active in the Edgebrook and Sauganash Women’s Guilds and clubs. She was an avid flower gardener and a longtime member of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Elegant and gracious, Rosa kept a beautiful home filled with art and sculptures and lovingly decorated for every holiday.

Rosa loved cooking and entertaining, and she found great joy in caring for her husband Harry and their son Mark. Her life was defined by service to others, steadfast faith, and unconditional love for her family.

Rosa will be remembered for her warmth, grace, generosity, and the care she showed to everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Her presence brought beauty, comfort, and joy to many lives, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Services will be held privately at the request of the family.