Kristine Johansen

Johansen was born in Mandal, Norway on March 19, 1935, to Emanuel

and Ragnhild Valand. She was the oldest of five children (Tobias- Olaf – Ernst –

Elizabeth). Kristine and her brothers and sister grew up on a beautiful farm called

Suvatna. She attended a one room schoolhouse in HOLUM, and she often skied

to school with her friends.

At the age of 16, Kristine attended Kvoss Folkehogskole where she majored in

home economics. At the age of 19, she traveled to America with two of her best

friends. The three of them worked in various jobs between New Jersey and Long

Island. All the time thinking this would only be for three years. However, in 1956

she met Knut Johansen who also grew up in Norway. The two of them got married

at the Norwegian Siemens Church in Brooklyn. Marriage with Knut brought a new

way of life. Knut’s job as a captain on yachts brought them to Palm Beach,

Florida. The next few years they traveled back-and-forth between Palm Beach,

Florida and New York on a yacht named the Captiva. It was at this time that Knut

and Kristine had their first child, a daughter, Arline. In 1962 the family moved to

Brooklyn, New York. Where Knut got a job with Moran towing company.

Eventually, he became a tugboat captain. That same year, they had their second

child, John. In 1965 Knut & Kristine bought their first house in Livingston, New

Jersey. With the move, she enjoyed many happy years there. Livingston was a

great place to raise a family and start her career working at Sears.

Kristine was a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother and great

grandmother always there supporting her family. Kristine was known as a warm

and gracious hostess to her friends and everyone she met. She came to know the

Lord when she was a young girl in Norway. When she came to the United States,

she attended the Norwegian Mission on Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange, New

Jersey and Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Essex Fells New Jersey.

She is survived by her brother Olaf (sister-in-law, Berit) and sister Elizabeth who

all live in Norway. Her daughter and son-in-law Arline & Mark McGrady who live in

Massachusetts. Her son and daughter-in-law John & Sandra Johansen who live in

New Jersey. 6 – Grandchildren Christopher, Jason, Jessica, David, Justin and

Jennifer. 5 – Great grandchildren, Hudson, Hart, Elias, Jack and Luciana

She will be greatly missed by the many people she touched throughout her life.