Mary Christie, 95, passed away on July 16. She lived in Belshire Manor in Bayside, New York. She was a Queens resident for most of her life. She brought up her three children in Richmond Hill.
Mary worked at the Pfizer offices in Jamaica until she was 70, when she was mandated to retire.
“My mother was one of a kind. She was 4’11” and had the personality of a woman 6’ tall,” said her daughter, Lois Christie, of Christie & Co. Salon
Mary understood the power of red and believed red was the ultimate cure for sadness. It was her favorite color. When she had a manicure, it was red polish. Every person entering the church for her funeral mass received a red flower in her memory.
She was always an optimistic person, even in her last weeks. She had lived independently until her final illness.
“At 95 she wanted to change her hair style,” said Lois. “She told me just how she wanted it - bangs and shorter sides because it would be easier to handle. She would call and say, ‘This is Lois’ mother, can I come in?’” She loved the salon, the staff, the people and the gossip.”
She loved parties and holidays and giving presents made her very happy, recalled her loved ones.
“I remember when my mom thought that everyone in the family should have a dog,” said Lois. “For [grandson] Kurt’s 30th birthday her mission was to get him a dog. Kurt loves his dog Casey to this day.”
“My mom’s life lesson to us all was to work hard and enjoy life and play hard, always surrounded by friends and family,” said her daughter Lois, speaking at the funeral. “Mom, you were a proud woman; we all loved you dearly. You will be missed very much, now and forever.”
Mary is survived by daughter Lois; a son, Hughie, and his wife Susan; a daughter, Joanie, and her husband Tommy; sister Dottie Ring; brother Leonard Giaridelli; nieces and nephews Debra, Christie and Jonathon; four grandchildren, Tommy Jr., Tracey, Kurt, and Melissa; and five great-grandchildren, Jack, Kelly, Dylan, Parker and Natasha. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, according to family.
Arrangements were handled by the Martin A. Gleason Funeral Home in Bayside. A funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Church and interment was at Long Island National Cemetery.
The family asks that if anyone wants to make a donation in her memory, the family would appreciate it be made to either: the Meals On Wheels Program (make check payable to Social Action Committee) or Sacred Heart Church, c/o Sister Kathleen, 215-35 38th Avenue Bayside, NY 11360 (or make checks payable to Sacred Heart School Tuition Assistance, Sacred Heart School, c/o Mr. Farrell, 215-36 38th Avenue Bayside, NY 11360).
