Northborough – Mary Christensen passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, at age 92 in Coleman House Senior Care Residence in Northborough, MA.
Mary was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. While still young she met her future husband Donald while roller skating with friends. Mary and Donald married and had their first son at age 18. They added two more sons by the time they were 23.
Around 1958, they moved from Brooklyn to the Long Island suburbs to raise their family. It was there they began to explore their love of the water and boating, working up from a tiny outboard to a large wooden cabin cruiser. Donald named it “Mary N Me” and Mary took her role of navigator very seriously.
It’s difficult to discuss Mary’s life without Donald because they were best friends and did nearly everything together – from browsing through flea markets, Christmas shopping, working, and decorating and improving their home. Mary helped her husband during the week at his painting business in Manhasset NY; fielding calls and scheduling estimates. They were also active with the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce.
When in their forties with their children grown, Mary and her husband began to really enjoy their time away from work. Their big change came after joining the Freeport Yacht Club. They made many friends with whom to enjoy the Long Island Waterways and beaches. Mary was an active member helping plan and decorate for the various functions at the club. She was adept at crafting unique centerpieces and creating boutique items for their Holiday Craft Fair.
She was a very good seamstress. She sewed draperies and curtains and many outfits for herself. She even sewed a Santa suit so Donald could play Santa at the Yacht club children’s party every Christmas for decades. She sewed her own gown as well as one for her mother for Donald Jr’ s. Wedding in 1977.
Mary and Donald were married 62 years when Donald passed away in 2013. At the time of his death they were still working. She was also predeceased by her youngest son George in 2022. At that time, she moved to Massachusetts and lived for 6 months with Don Jr and his wife Jean. Mary then went to live in Coleman House Senior Care Residence just 2 miles away, allowing for frequent visits. Many thanks to the staff at Coleman House who were wonderful in their care and interactions with Mary.
Mary is survived by her eldest son Don and his wife Jean, as well as her son Paul and his wife Irene. She is also survived by three granddaughters and one grandson and their spouses; namely, Stephanie and Samuel Bellingrath, Lindsey Christensen and her partner Kaitlin McGuire, Anne and David Smanek, and Paul G and Cassie Christensen. She leaves 4 great grandsons, James, Charles, Peter and Rory.
A private family service is scheduled. Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.
To leave a condolence or kind words of support for her family, please visit www.Haysfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers please give a donation to a charity of your choice in her memory.
