Dear Community,
It is with sadness that we share that Mary Christiansen, retired Purchasing Coordinator, died on June 28, 2026, at the age of 83, after a short illness. During her 12 years at Colorado College, Mary was a rock of stability whose dependability and loyalty helped her colleagues thrive. She took great pride in her work and in the people around her. Known for her quiet efficiency, Mary supported us with unquestionable dedication. Every day she showed genuine care and thoughtfulness through small acts of kindness, whether making sure busy colleagues had eaten or protecting them from unnecessary interruptions. Mary offered her friendship freely and shared her warmth and peaceful demeanor with us. She was refreshingly straightforward, speaking with clarity, honesty, and compassion. Her humor and occasional sassiness helped us laugh and not take ourselves too seriously. Perceptive and intelligent, grounded and steadfast, Mary was a gift to be around.
Mary’s world centered on her family and Christian faith. Her family notes that when she moved from Louisiana to Colorado in 1961 with her husband, JD, she likely never imagined she would raise her children alongside a lifelong cowboy and embrace all that ranch life entailed. Devoted and hardworking, Mary met the many adventures and challenges with grace. A gifted cook, Mary fed her Southern home cooking to countless people. She also enjoyed a good scotch after a long day and the rare quiet moment amid her typically busy schedule . More than anything, though, Mary enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and sharing stories about them with her friends. Her love for her husband, who preceded her in death in 1998, was eternal and present with her all her days.
A date to remember and honor Mary in an informal gathering is still being planned. To be notified of the date, please email Gina Arms at arms.gina@gmail.com.
In this time of remembering and grief, may we hold Mary’s family and friends in the light, especially her three children: Tammy (Jeffrey) Specht, Gail (Terry) Henderson, and James (Melanie) Christiansen; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings George Olivier and Rosa Maynard of New Iberia, Louisiana.
With compassion,
