Carol Lucille Christison

Carol was a wonderful woman who lived a rich life filled with friendships, love, and adventures. Carol L. Christison was born in Parkersburg, WV, to the late Harold and Mildred E. Van Horn (don’t ask the year, she won’t tell you!) and passed away at home, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Jim Christison; two brothers, Ronald G. Metcalf and Harold H. Van Horn, Sr.; her former husband, Milton R. Christison; and dear friend Mike. She is survived by her loving daughter, Lucie (Norm) Arendt; special son, David Christison; a daughter-in-law, Julie Christison; grandchildren, Lona & John Arendt, Eric (Nicholle) Christison, Joe (Barbi) Clementi, Franci (Shawn) Gooldy; her sister (the "best gift my Mother ever gave me"), Dinah (Roy) Smarr; many step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was very blessed with special friends- both personally and professionally. While she loved her kids, she really, really loved her grandkids- she said they had a "common enemy" (the grandkids parents!). The grandkids were always in her lap, having tea parties, playing with Legos, going blindfold shopping (lots of shopping), cooking or just hanging out. She was called Grandy, Gran or sometimes just "G". She is known for her creative, quick wit–especially the nontraditional Christmas letters (yes, she flossed until the very end!) and enjoyed going out for breakfast with Jim or her friend Shannon and loved roller skating with Armand and her Wednesday skating friends. Carol loved her job, was admired for her professionalism, creative mind, mentoring and friendship. She had over 40 years of experience in association management. Her background includes editing a scientific research journal, publication management, membership development, business administration, and sales and marketing. She was the President of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association since 1982. Prior to that, she was the Associate Director of the American College of Sports Medicine and the Managing Editor of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Carol was committed to developing affordable education and research programs, she researched, wrote, and delivered a state-of-the-industry trends presentation at the annual IDDBA Seminar and Expo. As an avid reader and life long learner, she was interested in current trends and consumer demographics, lifestyles, attitudes, and buying behavior. She loved the creativity of the Show and Sell team and their special friendships. 　 Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 13, 2014. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday March 12, 2014, as well as from 9:00 AM until the time of the service on Thursday. Carol and her family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the UW-Madison’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology research fund which supports research in gynecologic cancers. Contributions to this fund significantly help advance cutting-edge research to find new ways to detect the cancer earlier, as well as improve the outcomes and quality of life for women and their families who face these cancers. UW Foundation Fund #12902096, Lock Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807. http://www.obgyn.wisc.edu/division/gynecology-oncology/default.aspx Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761