Marjorie Ward Leigh Christianson, 96, of Broadway, formerly from Harrisonburg, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at TimberView Crossing.

Mrs. Christianson was born on March 27, 1928 in Washington, D.C. and was a daughter of the late Edwin Maurice and Nellie Lowe Ward.

As a mother, she demanded our respect, but more importantly than that, she earned it. Mom taught us that money does not grow on trees, but rather it was earned. Chores were given out to all of us and our allowances were earned.

When she moved to the Valley from Yorktown, people asked if she had any family here and why she moved. Her reply was that she had no family here, but she was tired of the flat land in Hampton Roads and wanted to have the mountains around her. She joined First Presbyterian Church and jumped right into working at the church, serving as an dinners, and other requests for refreshments. A 70-year member of the Eastern Star, most recently chapter 184 of Virginia Beach. She did not like to ask people to help, but as she got older, she accepted help when given and was grateful and humbled by deeds people did for her.

Surviving are her three daughters, Susan Leigh-Burrell, Betsy Leigh and husband David Holliday, Jayne Amundson and husband Michael; grandchildren, Lori Burrell and husband Kurt, E. Erica Burrell, Andrew Burrell and wife Elena; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Haggard and husband Jared, Nicholas Colt Hardin, Catherine Brower, Xanthe Burrell, Carmine Burrell, Gabriel Burrell; great-grandson JR Skillman; pets, “Little Bit”; grandpets “Seth” Amundson, and “Scif” Leigh-Burrell.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Christianson was preceded in death by her first husband, James Mercer Leigh; second husband, Lewis T. Christianson; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Ward Clark; brothers, Edwin Maurice Ward, and Albert Preston Ward.

The family appreciates the loving care administered to mom from the wonderful staff and administration at TimberView Crossing in Timberville, Virginia. They cared for mom as a family member. She loved sharing her life stories with them.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cat’s Cradle, PO Box 2128
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801; Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to your local ASPCA.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.