Mary Louise Christensen

Racine – Mary Louise Christensen, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on November 9, 2020. Mary was born in Racine to the late Carl and Frieda (nee Herzog) Barwich on April 27, 1935. She graduated from Washington Park High School, class of 1953 and earned a BS in Botany from UW-Madison in 1957. At Emaus Lutheran Church of Racine, Mary was united in marriage to James R. Christensen on October 8, 1960. After taking care of her family and raising her daughter, Mary attended UW-Parkside and earned a BA in Music. Mary was hired by Racine Unified School District as music teacher and had a 20-year career, retiring on June 15, 1998. She also taught voice lessons and directed church choirs. Mary associated with many choirs including the Choral Arts Society and performed with Cardiac Capers for the former St. Mary’s Hospital. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Union and the Harbor Lights Yacht Club. Her and her husband went on many joyful cruises together. Mary will be dearly missed by her daughter, Karen Zies; grandchildren: Nicholas J. (Leandra) Grazer and Michael J. Grazer; great-granddaughter, Allison Grazer; sister-in-law, Carol Dalziel; niece, Linda Dalziel; nephews: Kurt (Janine) Dalziel - their son, her great-nephew, Eric, Dale (Jeanne) Johnson, Dean (Pam) Johnson, and David (Marsha) Johnson; other relatives and friends; and special friends: Delbert (Anne) Eisch and Roberta (George) Holstead-Knudtson. She was preceded in death by her husband, James on February 17, 2019; sisters: Esther (Robert) Johnson and Pearl (John) Balde; niece, Gail Balde; nephew, Brian Dalziel; and brother-in-law, Donald Dalziel. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, November 14, 2020 beginning with a visitation at 1:30 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 2:30 p.m. Pastor Holly Anderle will be officiating. A private service of committal will be at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time. Guests may be required to wait outside until others leave the funeral home. Anyone planning on attending Mary’s visitation will also be required to wear a face covering/mask upon entering the funeral home along with following social distancing guidelines. Mary’s family would like to give a special thanks to her caregivers of Home Instead: Veronica, Charmaine, Kayla, and Bonny.

Mary Louise Christensen

April 27, 1935 - November 9, 2020