Mary Christianson, age 85, of Canby, MN passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, October 31, 2022 at her home in Canby. Memorial service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Monday, November 7th at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Canby, MN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 6th at the Houseman Funeral Home-Birk Chapel in Canby from 5 to 7pm with a prayer service at 7p.m.. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family burial will be at the Canby City Cemetery. Houseman Funeral Home-Birk Chapel of Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary Olene Christianson was born on May 2, 1937 to Amund and Margaret (Josephson) Aarskaug in Minneapolis, MN. She was raised in Madison, MN and graduated from Madison High School in 1955. While attending school, Mary was a drummer in the band and a cheerleader. Mary also played piano, sharing that talent with staff and residents at the Canby Senior Haven. Mary was always on the go, coordinating many travels, shopping and entertainment activities with girlfriends. She was everyone’s best friend. In the summer of 1955, she married Jerome D. “Boob” Christianson and moved to Canby, MN where she became a farm wife and raised their four children. On November 29, 1985 she unexpectedly lost her husband of 30 years. The Next year Mary moved to Canby where she created a new life. In 1990, at the age of 53, Mary’s daughter encouraged her to join Canby Senior Haven staff. It was a perfect fit for her first official job. She loved her fellow staff and residents. IN 2011, she received the Minnesota Caring Heart Award, caregiver of the year for support staff. After 32 years of service, Mary retired at age of 85. Mary lead a very active life. She was a past Decon and Release Time Teacher of Our Saviours Lutheran Church. A Lifetime member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed her years as a Red Hat Lady, her Better Balance exercise class and she had a fun time participating in Chicks & Chairs. Mary loved the community of Canby and always said her feet are planted in Canby. We thank the people of Canby and the surrounding area for wrapping their arms around her as she battled ovarian cancer. Special thank you to the caregivers and Sanford Hospital and Clinic and Sanford Sioux Falls.
She leaves behind four children: Linda (Terry) Gurnaud, Brenda (special friend, Gary) Christianson, Paul (Nancy) Christianson and David (Heidi) Christianson; three grandchildren: Eric Gordhamer, Scott Hovaldt and Kelsey Hovaldt and one great grandchild due May of 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; her parents and siblings and numerous in-law’s.