Christine Jane Gunn Poulsen's Obituary
Christine Jane Gunn Poulsen, 82, of Mapleton, Utah, passed away March 5, 2025, at Utah Valley Hospital, surrounded by her husband of 61 years, Denis Poulsen, and all of her children.
Christine was born on August 16, 1942, to Doreen Maisie Sutton Gunn and Edward Gunn in Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, England. She was the oldest of three children. A younger sister, Margaret Louise Jones, born February 5, 1945, and a younger brother, Gerald Edward Walter Gunn, born January 14, 1951. She attended Heaton Moor Council School, Banks Lane Elementary School, and Oriel Bank High School for girls in Davenport.
At the age of 16, Christine was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She said, “This is the most important choice I made.” In May of 1962, she found a sponsor by the name of Harold Rife, who allowed her to immigrate to the United States. She made the journey on the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2. After arriving in New York, she flew to Boise, Idaho, where her sponsor family awaited. Christine worked in various banks in London before coming to the United States. She quickly found work at a bank in Boise once she arrived. In the winter, she moved with a friend to Provo, Utah to attend Brigham Young University. She attended one semester at BYU, which is where she met the love of her life, Denis P. Poulsen.
Denis and Christine were married in the Logan, Utah Temple, on July 3, 1963. In 1971, they moved their young family to Mapleton. Denis and Christine have lived there for 53 years now. They have been members of the Mapleton 3rd Ward the entire time. They have enjoyed many great neighbors and friends throughout the years.
Christine has six children; Shelly Poulsen Gillies, Karen Poulsen Neilsen, Craig Poulsen, Kevin Poulsen, Neil Poulsen, and, Brad Poulsen. From the six children came 24 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren so far. All of whom Christine loved and supported. She never forgot a birthday or a holiday gift for all 49 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Christine never missed an opportunity to support her family. She attended many ball games, cheer and drill team events, choir performances, school dances, plays, and several other activities, in which her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren participated.
Over the years Christine enjoyed her church service, which included various callings in Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. She took every calling very seriously and was diligent in her efforts. She was always mindful of caring for others and helping people throughout her life.
Christine had a passion for books and started working the “Book Fairs” at elementary schools for BYU Bookstore. She did this for twenty years. She loved going to Lake Powell with her family. She and Denis went on an Alaskan cruise then drove down the Oregon coast. Christine loved the beach and was even able to visit some of the beaches she loved in England as a child. She will be missed by so many people whose lives she has touched.
Services are as follows:
Viewing: Friday, March 14, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Saturday, March 15, 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Funeral: Saturday, March 15, 11:00 AM
All services will be held in Mapleton, Utah at Eagle Rock Church, 825 East Hawks Rest Drive, Mapleton, Utah. For those unable to attend the services in person, a Zoom broadcast has been made available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81026212877
Meeting ID: 810 2621 2877
Flower Delivery Notice:
To ensure proper delivery, please send all floral arrangements directly to the location of the service one hour prior to its scheduled start time. Thank you.
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Share a story where Christine's kindness touched your heart.
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