Mary Louise Christensen

Mary Louise Christensen (Leibrant), age 82 years old, passed away on May 30th, 2025. Mary was born on March 25, 1943, in Everson, WA in the house made by her father and mother, Lewis and Verna Leibrant. She was number ten of eleven children in the Leibrant family and a 1962 graduate of Nooksack High School. Mary is survived by siblings Clara Jacobson, Charles (Bud) Leibrant, Vernon (Jum) Leibrant, and Emily Regnier. Mary married Carl Edward "Bill" Christensen in 1968, after living in Bellingham, they moved to the Guide Meridian taking on a one year major remodel to make a home for and raise their six children, Donna Christensen Salcedo (Jesse), Kim Willers (Matt), Dwayne Christensen, Carl "Billy" Edward Christensen, Teresa Pugh (Lynn), and Craig Christensen (Marty Paleny), along with MANY pets during the years. They have four grandchildren: Nicole and Matthew Willers, Felicia and Stephanie Salcedo. They also have two great-grandchildren, Theodore and Lily Willers. Her love for her family, whether near or far, never stopped. Mary and Bill had 56 years together and enjoyed outdoor activities including camping, digging clams at Birch Bay, and family picnics. They attended many sports events during their years as parents of Meridian kids and continued to enjoy watching sports throughout their lives. They took memorable road trips across Washington and other states to see landmarks. Driving highway 101 along the coast seeing every lighthouse along the way was one her favorites! Road trips consisted of visiting friends and family or just taking a 'Sunday Drive'. Mary was the Director of Housekeeping for Hampton Inn at the time of her retirement. Over the years, she was honored for her hard work and dedication, earning various awards throughout the years there and with previous employers. One memorable award was Employee of the Year and being honored with a trip to Tennessee for a companywide award ceremony. Mary was very artistic, a true craftsperson and creative in everything she did. Amongst her many talents, she loved to work on needlework, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, quilting, and sewing. Her projects were shared with many who treasure her gifts. She also loved reading, working on puzzles, playing games (always a fun way to socialize), gardening, and working with her family on their Genealogy. In later years, Mary and Bill moved to the Correll Park retirement community in Ferndale where they enjoyed their wonderful neighbors and spending time together at home in their matching recliners. Taking a 20-minute walk meant they were home 3 hours later due to stopping along the way and talking to friends. Eating out with family and friends has been a great enjoyment, where you can't enter the restaurant without hugs, smiles, stories with the staff, and where the staff became friends. Mary was beloved by her family, co-workers and community. Her quiet but caring mother's heart and love for everyone will truly be missed.