Mary Dale Christensen

Mary Dale Christensen

January 9, 1943 – June 13, 2024

Mary Dale Christensen, 81, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, June 13th, after 13 years of living with Alzheimer’s.  Mary was born to Frances and Dale McGregor on January 9th, 1943, in Little Rock, AR. After graduating from Cotton Plant High School in 1961, she studied at Stephens College, where she earned her Associate’s Degree. She then went to Auburn University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Clothing, Textiles, and Merchandising.  She went on to receive her Master of Science in Home Economics with a concentration on Housing and Interior Design, with emphasis on “housing for the aged and physically disabled” from Oklahoma State University. 

After graduation, she landed her first job as an Extension Housing Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she worked for five years.

In 1970, she met Darrell Christensen, and in 1972, they married and began their lifelong adventure together. They went on to have two children, Joanna and Erica.

After having Joanna and Erica, the family moved to Omaha, where they opened their store, Christensen Hardware.  When the store closed in 1992, Mary started her third career at Parent Training and Information of Nebraska. At PTI  Nebraska, she was able to follow one of her passions, which was advocating for children and parents of children with disabilities.  Mary had a strong sense of community and loved to volunteer. She was a Brownie Troup Leader and a Confirmation teacher for Joanna and Erica. She and Darrell organized their church’s American Red Cross Blood Drives for 12 years.

Mary was not just a dedicated individual but a funny, bright, and joyful person. Her love for her family was boundless. She championed her kids and supported their dreams. She had a deep passion for helping others. She found joy in simple pleasures like listening to music, taking pictures, dancing, and being goofy. Her faith in the Lord was a guiding light in her life.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Dale McGregor, and her cousins, Bobby Stanley and Sally Davis. She is survived by her husband, Darrell Christensen, two daughters, Joanna and Erica Christensen, and her sister, Sara Hagan. 

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that a memorial be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Bright Focus Foundation. There will be a celebration of life on Tuesday, June 18th, at Faith Westwood United Methodist Church, 4814 Oaks Ln, Omaha, NE 68137. Visitation is at 10 a.m., and the Service is at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. The burial will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.