On August 4, 2023 Mary Helen (Sande) Christensen passed away at the age of 87. She had been living at The Village at Skyline Pines for the past year. Mary was born on September 26, 1935 in Huron, South Dakota to Helen and Andrew Sande. She was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church in Huron. She had been active in South Canyon Lutheran church in Rapid City for many years. Mary graduated from Huron High School in 1953 and attended Huron College for one year. On June 12, 1955 she married Stewart Christensen. They resided in Huron until 1968 when they moved to Rapid City.

Mary worked at the Federal Land Bank in Huron, as secretary to the president at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and as an administrative assistant at Rockwell International. She enjoyed sewing, needlework, and she was active in bridge clubs. Mary played the French horn in high school and in several bands including the Huron and Rapid City Municipal bands, and the New Horizon band.

Mary was a devoted wife; a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother; and a dear friend to many. She will be greatly missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, both of her brothers, Ronald and Kermit, and her husband, Stewart. She is survived by both of her daughters, Paula Noriega and Laura Christensen, 3 granddaughters, Christy Noriega, Nicole Noriega, and Sara Schaller, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Her family will gather privately to celebrate her life. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Huron at a later date. Correspondence can be sent to Laura Christensen at 4102 Pleasant Dr. in Rapid City (57702).