Shirley Rinardo Christensen

December 17, 1919 - April 15, 2020

Shirley Rinardo Christensen passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at the untimely age of 100. She had hoped to live longer than her 103 year old mother, but this Corona virus pandemic ruined her plans. She was a native and life long resident of New Orleans, LA. She was the beloved wife of the late William Joseph Rinardo (Joe) for 22 years. Shirley was fortunate enough to be married again to another wonderful man, the late Vernon Christensen (Chris), for 33 years. Her three daughters, Karen Rinardo Speier (Tony), Suzanne Rinardo Sherwood (Roger) and Joanne Rinardo were all her favorite, i.e. “she loved me the best.” Her stepson, Brian Christensen (Annette), whom she helped raise and adored, was very close to her as well. Gayle Christensen, wife of Shirley’s deceased stepson, Bruce Christensen, always retained a special place in Shirley’s heart. She cherished the long distance relationship with her stepdaughter, Gail Christensen Crosby (Gary), who has lived across the country. Shirley was the daughter of the late Eva Courtade Spreen and Predon Emile Spreen and the sister of the late Predon E. Spreen, Jr. She is survived and was well loved by her grandchildren, Anthony Speier (Lori), Austin Speier (Dan), Jonathan Sherwood (Tish), Chandler Sherwood (Anne), Jeff Christensen (Taylor), Nicki Williams (Aaron), Todd Christensen (Kristen), Grady Flattman (Leigh), the Crosby children, Glen, Gretchen and Greg, fifteen great-grandchildren and a cat named Sabrina. Shirley was vivacious, smart and a little sassy. She once lit fireworks on the Orleans Ave neutral ground after the bonfire ban, figuring the police would not arrest a 90 year old with a walker. Shirley attended Mardi Gras parades until the last few years of her life. Her white hair was a bead magnet! She lived a very full and happy life. She enjoyed time with her many friends, traveling, square dancing, reading voraciously, and playing bridge and golf. She traveled the U.S. and the world extensively, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Russia, China, Thailand, Africa, Scotland, Ireland, France, England, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, the Galapagos Islands, Mexico, Peru, the Caribbean and Bahaman Islands, and Canada, among others. She was a founding and active member of Oak Park Presbyterian Church for over 30 years, and even more active at Gentilly Presbyterian Church for over 35 years. She served as an elder at both churches and on numerous local and state Presbyterian boards. She graduated from Mc Main High School at age 16, attended Loyola University and later completed Marinella Beauty School. She loved working for the Department of the Navy during WWII, owned her own beauty salon and retired from her position as an administrative assistant with the Department of Agriculture. The family thanks Vista Shores Assisted Living for the wonderful, thoughtful care she received the last six and a half years of her life. The family also appreciates the care provided by Touro Hospital these last two weeks as she succumbed to this horrible virus. Thankfully her symptoms were mild, and she faded peacefully. As a result of present circumstances the funeral and internment services will be private, but our friends are important to us. Please consider sharing your thoughts, favorite memory or condolences at www.muhleisen.com