On January 4, a perfect California winter day, Kris Irene Thomsen (57), passed away watched over by her wife, Cheryl Wilen, and devoted dogs, Sunny and Goldie. Kris was a brave and strong person as she battled breast cancer for over 2 years.

Kris was a lifelong Democrat who left a successful corporate career in her forties to devote her time and effort to humanitarian causes. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was a disaster support worker for the American Red Cross. She traveled to New Orleans to help rebuild homes. Kris was a regular volunteer for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County where she later took a paid position as the coordinator for their volunteer program. Many of her closest friendships were formed during her time with Second Harvest.

Kris also enjoyed traveling and she and Cheryl visited South Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Europe, and many other international and national sites where they enjoyed going off the beaten path, hiking to explore beautiful sites, and meeting new people.

In addition to Cheryl, her wife of 7 months and devoted partner for 24 years, Kris is survived by her mother, Meta Thomsen of Detroit Lakes, MN; siblings, Karen (Jim) Holte of Mankato, MN, Marlene (Nick) Field of Tewkesbury, UK, Alan (Dorothy) Thomsen of Detroit Lakes, MN and Mark (Paula) Thomsen of Valley City, ND. She is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews and 7 grand nieces and nephews. Kris was preceded in death by her father, Roy Thomsen.

A memorial service is planned for the near future. Please email cawilen@yahoo.com to be notified of those arrangements. If you would like to honor Kris' life, please consider making a donation in lieu of flowers to a breast cancer research or support organization or to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Published in Orange County Register from Jan. 8 to Jan. 12, 2014