At noon on February 25th, 2021, Christine Joan Mara of Lawrence, Kansas died at the age of 61.
Christy, as she was known to all, was born to Alma and Raymond Kuszmaul in 1959 in Kingman, Kansas. She moved to Denver as a young woman and married Jim Mara where their daughter Amanda was born in 1979.
Christy was from Kingman, but lived most of her life in Lawrence. She worked as an aesthetician for Joda and Friends for many years, where a number of her clients became close friends.
Loving mother of Amanda Chavez and grandmother of Chance Chavez and longtime companion to Steve Wilson.
Loving sister to Rose, of Denver Co, Carol, Houston TX, Charles, Lawrence, KS, Thomas, Wichita, Ks and John, Murdock, KS.
Another sister, Paula Jones, preceded her in death.
Christy was a lover of cats and gardening, and was famous for writing witty jokes of questionable taste, poetry and haiku. She fondly remembered events by the food that was served. She was known for always having a smile and a hug for everyone. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Even though we weren’t related, “Aunt” Christi will always be in my heart, ever since we met at John’s farmhouse. I was so lucky to get to see her again last summer. I’m so sorry for Steve, Amanda, and Stevie to be without her, and I hope to see everyone again this summer.
Dear Amanda and family, so, so, sorry to hear this. A friend just called me and told me. My thoughts and live are with you.
I’m so sorry to hear of Christy’s passing. I used to see her at various friends’ parties around Lawrence and she was always such a fun person to be around. My deepest condolences to Rose, Carol, Charlie, Thom, and Johnny.
Amanda, I’m heartbroken to hear of the loss of your Mom. Though it’s been several years since I got to experience one of her “world’s most perfect” hugs, I still talked about them to others. Her laugh, her wit, her amazing intelligence: she “got” me from the get-go, and we became friends pretty much from the moment we met.
When I did see her, it was like not a moment had passed. The last time was quite a few years back. We did “our” hug, and she shared so much about you, how you were doing, and how very proud of you she was.
Christy was pure life force. She helped me learn how to love others with pure intent, how to stick up for myself, and how to look at things from all different angles.
I’m sending love and light to you. I’m so sad, and can’t believe she’s gone. The light she brought to the world is irreplaceable.
Amanda, I am heartbroken for you and your son. Christy loved you so and was over the moon in love with Chance. I cannot believe I will never again experience one of her hugs or see that devilish twinkle in her eyes. Hugs and love to you. Rest assured your mama will never be forgotten.
Still hard to believe. Christy was a presence not to be missed in the room, and always went out of her way to be nice to me when we would visit.
I will miss her.
I am so sorry to hear that Christy has passed away. Christy was a wonderful Lady, I knew her when she lived in Colorado. I know She loved her daughter and her grandson and all will miss her. My prayers are with all of you, we share your loss.