Mary Gertrude Christie

Mary was born on December 12, 1920 in Ferndale, Michigan, to Joseph Henry Christie and Edna Mary Bur. She grew up in Ferndale, attending St. James Grade School and High School from which she graduated in the class of 1939.

Working in Accounting was her chosen career profession, having the opportunity to first work at the Burroughs Adding Machine Company in Detroit (which became the biggest adding machine company in America) and finished her career at the General Motors Technical Center at Engineering Staff.

She was a member and active volunteer of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Church, Royal Oak, Michigan, and a member of the General Motors Girls’ Club. Mary led a very active life with many interests that included bowling, golfing, babysitting, traveling with her wonderful cadre of travel friends, and most of all she especially enjoyed visiting the family home on the shores of Saginaw Bay near Caseville, Michigan. In later years, she took up crocheting, knitting, and making beautiful Christmas stockings for her family of nieces and nephews, as well as her great-nieces and great-nephews. While living at American House she made many lasting friendships, loved playing bingo, going on day bus trips, and never missing a chance to help someone work on a puzzle or play a game of cards.

Known to her immediate family as “Aunt Mary”, she is survived by two surviving nieces, Anne Anikis (George), Jean Holmquist (Bill); and three nephews, Paul Christie (Candace), Mark Christie (Betty), and David Christie (Cynthia); and great-nieces, Samantha, Madeline, Rebecca, and Megan Christie, Lauren Morelli (Nick), Sarah Rauser (Nick); and great-nephews, John Holmquist and Matthew Christie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph J. Christie and his wife Beatrice; nephew, Alan Christie; and sister-in-law, Elsie Smallwood.

The family is grateful for the love of Aunt Mary’s many dear friends and relatives. Special thanks is extended to all of the nurses, aides and staff for her care and making her feel special on her 100th birthday this past December and the compassionate Hospice care she received at Troy Beaumont Hospital, together with the supporting and caring staff during her many years of residency at American House in Troy.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the graveside service will be private. The family will plan to hold a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Mary, the family requests that any memorial donation be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen of the Provence of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order, located at 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, Michigan, 48207.