Elizabeth Jane Christensen, 44
Was communications engineer with the U.S. Army

TUCSON, Ariz. - Elizabeth Jane Christensen, 44, formerly of Westminster, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, at the University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Libby was born on March 27, 1963, in Gardner, the daughter of Dr. Owen Christensen and the late Patricia Christensen. She graduated from Oakmont Regional High School in 1981. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Team, the Oakmont Marching Spartans and the Jazz Band playing the saxophone in the latter two. She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Smith College in 1987 and a second bachelor's degree in engineering from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College in 1989.

Following graduation, she joined the United States Army as a communications engineer assigned to Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon and Fort Huachuca plus numerous tour of duties worldwide. During a volunteer tour in Iraq, she was photographed seated on the throne of the deposed Saddam Hussein.

She previously resided in Reston, Va. and, for the past 10 years, in Sierra Vista, Ariz. She was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism actively participating in reenactments of Medieval battles in various locations nationwide and a voracious reader.

Libby leaves her father of Westminster; a brother, Matthew Christensen of Ashburnham; a sister, Julia Bruce of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; her twin sister, Amy Christensen Hodgman of Winchendon; a brother, Andrew Christensen of Lunenburg; five nephews and five nieces. She also leaves her stepmother, Carole Christensen of Westminster; a stepsister, Erica Smith of Franklin; a stepbrother, Joshua Waxlax of Ashburnham; and several close friends.

Arrangements are incomplete for a second memorial service to be held at the First Congregational Church in Westminster. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Libby's memory to the Elizabeth Christensen Memorial Patients' Library Fund at the University Medical Center, c/o Carol Lewis at 4146 Calle Encina, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650. Alternatively donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 350 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01604 or to the University Medical Center Foundation, 1501 North Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724.