Ella Abigail (Otis) Christensen

MADISON – Ella Abigail (Otis) Christensen, 90, died peacefully with family by her side at Franklin Memorial Hospital on Saturday Oct. 28, 2023. She was born on May 20, 1933, the daughter of Everett and Villa (Green) Otis, in Fairfield where she was raised.

Ella, the third oldest of nine children, and the oldest girl, began work early in life, helping her mother with the household chores by the age of 11. It was a difficult life at times with the Great Depression and World War II shaping her formative years. Their house on Martin Stream Road had no indoor plumbing or electricity, and in the winter, no central heating to fight off the cold during the harsh Maine winters. These challenges helped forge her life-long work ethic.

Ella graduated from Lawrence Senior High School. Before her marriage, Ella worked at the Diamond Matchstick factory in Oakland, Maine. After she was married, she moved to North Attleborough, Mass., where she raised four children with her husband Richard and worked at Kardan Creations. When she retired in 2004, Ella and Richard moved back to Maine, settling in Madison for her remaining years. Ella loved to solve word puzzles, play cribbage and other card games, attend Bingo games, and host holiday gatherings.

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years Richard Christensen; her son Steven; brothers, George, Ernest, and Arthur, and also sisters Grace and Pauline.

Ella is survived by daughters Karen McKay of New Sharon and Jennifer Young with husband Anthony of Madison, son James Christensen of Somerville, Mass., sister Laurel Perry of Winterport, brothers Raymond Otis of Fairfield, and Arnold Otis of Plainville, Mass.; grandchildren; Brandon, Noelle, and Monique; great grandchildren Charlie and Owen; as well as numerous friends.

Ella will be remembered as a doting mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She took much pride in her family and was loved deeply in return.

A celebration of life for Ella will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services – 445 Waterville Rd. Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

Please visit Ella’s memorial page to share condolences, photos, and special memories at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/ella-christensen.