Paula Christiansen, age 63, passed away after a brave two-year journey through ALS on April 24th, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones in Apple Valley, MN. Born on September 7th, 1959 in Minneapolis, Paula was the daughter of John Paul Christiansen and Virginia Christiansen. She graduated from St. Catherine University with a Bachelor of Arts and later earned a Master's degree from Adler Graduate School. Paula was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is survived by her children: Erin (& Jake) Wygant, Rachel Wicklum, Caitlin Wicklum, and Adam (& Lauree) Smith. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Hudson & Odette Wygant, Conall Smith, her mother Virginia Christiansen, siblings: Peter (& Debbie) Christiansen, Sarah (& Gary Kuntz) Christiansen, and Vanessa (& Curtis) Kushinski, as well as beloved nieces and nephews. Paula was preceded in death by her father, John Paul Christiansen.

Paula's greatest gift was being a mother to her children and the countless ways that her generous spirit touched others. Her warmth and generosity knew no bounds. Paula was an artist in all that she touched, from visual arts to playground scale chalk art, fiber crafts, and gardens. She possessed the greenest of thumbs and was usually surrounded by flourishing flora. Her affinity for water drew her to the North Shore and the spirit of Gitchigumi, nurtured by water and land. Nature was her sanctuary and refuge, and the woods were her chapel and spiritual home.

Paula provided compassionate and skilled counseling services for over the past decade, preceded by a broad range of work as an art therapist bringing joy to children and families. She was also a passionate mother and found a way to be with her children through Waldorf training and philosophy, and provided in-home daycare for many who came to love Paula as family.

Paula felt joy in gathering her loved ones around her in her inimitable warmth that extended to all creatures great and small, many finding shelter in her home. She was a connoisseur of music, queen of knowing what song to play when, and loved nothing more than watching live music or sitting by a fire under the night sky. Paula will be greatly missed and always with us.

A Memorial service to celebrate Paula's life will be held at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel at 1:00 pm on June 7th, 2023 followed by a reception at the Lakewood Garden Mausoleum nearby.

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