Alee Pepper Christensen Obituary (1972 - 2014)

Beloved wife, daughter, older sister, aunt, niece and loyal friend, Alee Pepper-Christensen, age 42, passed away peacefully in her home on November 15th 2014 following a courageous and dignified battle through a variety of diverse and difficult medical aliments. Born June 13th 1972 in Salt Lake City, to Scott and Becky Pepper. Alee was the oldest of 3 siblings and took great pride in caring for her younger brother Ryan and little sister, Ashleigh. Alee was the self-proclaimed favorite child. Alee was raised in Murray, Utah where she attended Arlington/Parkside Elementary School, Hillcrest Jr. High School, and Murray High School. After graduating from Murray High School in 1990, Alee attend Westminster College and later the University of Utah. During this time Alee began a successful career in the telecommunication industry. Alee had many diverse opportunities in her career. Alee took most pride in her contract with the Pentagon. Alee was on her way to work at the Pentagon on 9/11. She spoke openly about her experience that day and her love for the United States of America. Alee was a true patriot. In 2007, Alee met the love of her life and best friend Marty Christensen. After a 3-year courtship, they were married in Deer Valley, Utah in September of 2010. Alee and Marty were the perfect blend of companionship and internal commitment to one another. Alee and Marty spent their honeymoon on a Mediterranean cruise. Every day they spent time by the pool, as Alee loved the water, as well as many different hikes throughout the Mediterranean landscape. Although Alee was an amputee, she pushed herself to cover all 800 plus steps to the top of the Greek Parthenon. Alee didn't know the meaning of give up. Another favorite activity Alee enjoyed was riding with Marty on the Harley Davidson Motorcycle. They covered thousands of miles together, stopping at different locations around Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Montana to explore and enjoy. Alee loved Glacier National Park, Yellow Stone, The Grand Canyon, where she hiked the North Rim, and many other beautiful national parks. After Alee lost her leg, she was determined to live a full life. Alee enjoyed horseback riding, snow and water skiing, knee boarding, and even roller bladeing… However, that experience ended badly as the roller blade and her leg both went in the opposite direction as her body. That experience demanded an explanation by innocent observers in the park. They were mortified to say the least. Of course in true Alee fashion, she picked up her leg, smiled in a slightly passive aggressive manner at the innocent bystander and proceeded to rollerblade home. Alee was also a tremendous chef. She started cooking at a very young age for her siblings while Scott and Becky worked. Alee was able to make a variety of amazing meals as well as create new recipes for herself and share them with her family. However, anyone who knew Alee, knew you were not allowed in her kitchen while she was cooking… That was her turf and you dared not enter! Alee was a daddy's girl! So much so, that after he passed away she followed in his footsteps, enrolled into the POST Academy, graduated, and worked for Adult Probation and Parole. Imagine that… A hotheaded, nail chewing, spitfire, 9mm carrying, sassy attitude expressing, Alee Pepper… I believe Utah crime decreased immensely during her tenure as a police officer. I'm sure her father was very proud of her efforts and determination. After a short time period as a police officer, Alee returned to her roots in the telecommunication industry. She moved back east to Fairfax Virginia where she worked with a variety of different companies creating enormous internal networks of phone and Internet systems. After a few years in DC, Alee returned home to friends and family. She loved those she grew up with and those treasured friends she made post high school and college. In 2003 Alee's life changed forever. After having a routine out patient surgery she became critically ill. After multiple surgeries, a 4-week coma, the loss of her right leg, and many years of rehabilitation, Alee rose from the ashes like a phoenix and continued to battle. She taught herself how to speak, eat, and walk again. Alee was not going to let this accident dictate her life. She experienced her set backs and even moments of utter dismay and daunting discouragement, but Alee never stopped moving forward. Alee will leave a legacy of commitment, love, and interpersonal determination. She loved life as a child and even more so as a young women. Later in life Alee battled tirelessly to regain that individual peace and happiness. What most of us take for granted Alee fought for every day just to experience a small piece. It was when she found Marty that she was able to experience that long awaited peace and serenity she so badly deserved. Alee was made whole again by her grit to succeed and the unconditional love and unwavering support Marty showed her every day for the last 1, 419 days. Alee is Survived by her husband; Martin Christensen; mother, Becky Pepper; siblings, Ryan Pepper (Lisanne Pepper) and Ashleigh Pepper; grandmother, Diane Pepper; and nieces, McKinley and Ashlynn, and nephews, Scott Jr., and McKay. Also, many wonderful aunts and uncles, cousins, and of course Doctari her fur-kid. Alee would want each of you to know how much she loved you and appreciated your support, love and care for who she was. Alee enjoyed being a part of each of your lives knowing she belonged and was accepted by so many wonderful individuals. A public viewing will be held Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 from 6-8pm. As well as Thursday November 20th, 2014 from 9:30-10:30am at Jenkins–Soffe South Valley located at 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah 84095. Funeral services will be held Thursday November 20th, 2014 at 11:00am at the same Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary. Internment, Redwood Memorial Estates located at 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT USA 84095