Mary Alma Christopherson

Mary Alma Christopherson, 77, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, Florida. Mary was born September 3, 1945, the only child to father William A. Christopherson and mother Lena (Gould) Christopherson - Ladouceur in Alpena, Michigan. Mary was a 1963 Howell High School graduate in Howell, Michigan. She attended Alpena Community College, beginning her pursuit of a career in nursing. She graduated in 1970 with an Associate's Degree. In 1967, Mary joined the Women's Army Corp as a Practical Nurse. She was promoted from Private to Specialist E-5 upon completion of basic training. In 1974, she graduated from Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology. As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Mary relocated from Howell, Michigan, to Gainesville, Florida, in 1975. North Florida Regional Medical Center employed her as an LPN. After a short time, she was employed as an LPN at the Gainesville Veterans Administration Hospital until 1979, when she became a Pharmacy I.V. Technician. Mary was a long-time Church of the Mediator member in Micanopy, Florida. She served as an acolyte, enjoyed singing in the choir, and spent time with her church family. Mary showed a heart for others with a resume of volunteer work and community involvement. She was especially proud of her work with the community safety ride program with the Gainesville Police Department. Mary had a multitude of interests and hobbies, including wildlife photography, that gained attention in Northern Florida, where she won a 1st Prize ribbon at the Jaycees Alachua County Fair, in 1981, for her photo of a cat. Mary loved cats and had several of them over the years. In 1982, her work appeared in the April 1982 "Guide To North Florida Living" issue. She collected fossils and shark teeth and enjoyed movies, archery, and oil painting. Her love of history led her to a great interest in the Titanic. She collected whatever memorabilia and information about the ship and even took her collection on the road to various conventions for display. As a young woman, Mary was proud to own a motorcycle. Mary is survived by a half-brother Rolf (Kim) Christopherson of Howell, Michigan, half-sister Kaaren Christopherson of Howell, Michigan, half-brother Sven (Lisa) Christopherson, cousin Pati (Dennis) McWhirter of Whitby, Ontario, Canada, cousin Jerry Christopherson of Walnut Creek, California, and several nieces and nephews and friends. A Graveside Committal will occur at the Mediators Memorial Garden, Church of the Mediator, 501 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy, Florida. Father George Holston, officiating. Contributions in her honor can be made to The Church of the Mediator in Micanopy, Fl. Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral Home, 311 S Main Street, Gainesville, Fl 32601. www.milamfh.com