Mary Louise Andrade Christel, 78 years old of Sonoma passed away on September 24, 2010 surrounded by her immediate family. Born in Oakland, California, and raised in San Francisco, Mary met her husband Rhyne in 1950 and they married in 1953, raising their two children in San Francisco. Over the years, Mary’s kindness reached out to many. When her nieces and nephew needed a roof over their heads, she provided it and loved them as “her own.” Mary also spent over 20 years tending to the needs of an elderly uncle while raising a family of her own. Mary, devoted wife and primary caregiver for 30 years to her husband Rhyne experienced failing health herself over the last several years, surviving many a close call through sheer determination and a very strong will. Dedicated and devout to her faith, Mary received a final blessing in her last hours.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Rhyne Christel; two daughters, Bonnie Christel of San Francisco and Christel Cromeyer of Sonoma; Christel’s partner Mark of Petaluma; two grandchildren, Ruben and Oliver; brother Charles Andrade of New York; niece Kathy of Las Vegas; nephew Chuck of Long Beach; pseudo-nephew Steve, married to niece Esther of Las Vegas who passed away last year.
A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ for Latter Day Saints on October 23, 2010 at 2:00 pm. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to The American Lung Foundation or to the Mormon Church.
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