Shawnalene Lou Christensen

SHERBURN - Shawnalene L. “Shawna” (Muncey) Christensen, age 51, of Sherburn, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, at her home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Shawna at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Regional Worship Center (2 Crossroads Drive, Sherburn 56171) with Pastor Joshua Caldwell officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Shawna’s service will be recorded and available to be viewed at her obituary page at www.sinnfuneralhome.com.

The Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center of Trimont, Sherburn, and Welcome is assisting the family with arrangements.

Shawnalene Lou (Muncey) Christensen was born on May 30, 1974, to Charles and Joyce (Kitchen) Muncey in Houlton, Maine. In 2005, she was baptized in the name of Jesus. Shawnalene was united in marriage to Steven Christensen on July 14, 2011.

Shawnlene’s life began as a testament to strength. She was born without signs of life, but was resuscitated, beginning a lifetime marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering will to fight for what she believed was right. From the very beginning, Shawnalene faced challenges that were unimaginable to many, yet she met them head-on.

In her early years, Shawnalene navigated significant transitions and hardships, learning to find her footing in the world and eventually discovering her faith on her own terms. She graduated from high school and later enrolled in beauty school, completing one semester before leaving to care for her father during his illness. Family always came first to Shawna.

Following her father’s passing, Shawnalene spent time traveling with her sister and brother-in-law, who were evangelists, sharing God’s word throughout the southern United States. During those years, Shawnalene embraced independence, discovering her strength and young womanhood. She had no desire to be tied down to a city, a state, or even the idea of marriage - until life surprised her.

As Shawnalene herself would say, upon seeing Steven’s profile, she simply knew: she was going to marry him. Their love story became one of deep companionship and devotion. Shawnalene often described them as “peanut butter and jelly,” proudly declaring Steven to be the sweet jelly.

Not long after, Shawnalene was diagnosed with fatty liver disease and renal failure. Through countless appointments, treatments, medications, and unrelenting pain that constantly reminded her of her mortality, Shawnalene never stopped fighting. She fought for herself, for her husband, and for her close-knit family, whom she loved fiercely and protected wholeheartedly.

Shawnalene was, without question, everyone’s favorite - favorite sister, favorite aunt, favorite sister-in-law, favorite friend. Her energy was infectious, her randomness unforgettable, and laughter followed her wherever she went. She delighted in spontaneous fun, teaching Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance in the basement, enjoying playful duels, and obsessing over Transformers and superhero movies. Watching her excitement was a joy in itself.

Shawnalene had a nickname for everyone she loved, each one personal and meaningful. Her presence filled rooms, her love filled hearts, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her courage, her humor, her fierce love, her faith journey, and her unbreakable spirit.

Shawnalene will forever be remembered by her loving husband, Steven; stepdaughters, Emma Lavely and Kozanna Hirschman; sister, Jewel (Gary) Bryant and Tammy (Dave) Barton; brothers, Dwayne Muncey and Timothy (Jerry) Muncey; nieces and nephews, Adrian (Chris) Williams, Amy (Joe) Corliss, Ethan DeVoe, Renee (Andrew) Oullette, Denise Cummings; cousins, Kristopher Lewin and Charlie Wilson; and other relatives and friends.

Shawnalene was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Joyce (Kitchen) Muncey; sister, Charlotte Wilson; and brother, Charles G. Muncey.