Mary Christopian Gander

Mary Gander (née Chistopian) was born on July 2, 1924, in the family home at 393 Ruth Street in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was the first child of Sophie (Sergeychik) and Philip Chistopian to be born in the United States. Mary's father had come to America shortly before World War I, leaving behind his wife and two children, Anna and Gregory, in Belarus, with hopes of finding opportunity and prosperity. The family remained separated for more than a decade, unable to communicate during the war. Then, one day, Sophie unexpectedly received tickets and instructions to pack up all their belongings and bring the children to America to reunite the family. Mary's sister Anna, who was 14 years older, lived to the age of 100 and passed away in 2011. Her brother Gregory, 12 years her senior, died of lung cancer at age 39 in 1951. Mary was especially close to her younger sister, Olga, who was born three years after her. Olga passed away at age 94 in 2021 from COVID-19, while Mary herself was recovering from the illness. Mary graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul and went on to study typing, shorthand, and other secretarial skills. After a few early jobs, she began a 40-year career at the Ramsey County Treasurer's Office, where she advanced from clerk to a highly respected superintendent. Even after her retirement, Mary remained close to her former coworkers and continued to stay in touch with them well in her later years. In September 1947, at age 23, Mary married the love of her life, Leon Wayne Gander, a farm boy from Wisconsin. Shortly after their wedding, they purchased a beautiful home at 1281 North St. Albans in St. Paul, where they lived together until Leon's passing in 1994. Leon worked primarily as an upholsterer throughout their marriage. Although Mary and Leon had no children of their own, they cherished their role as doting aunt and uncle to Mary's nephew, Mark David Johnson, who passed away in 1990 at age 30. Mary continued to live in her St. Albans home after Leon's death, tending to her lush flower beds filled with roses and cultivating a bountiful garden of fruits and vegetables. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and impeccably maintained. In 2015, Mary moved into a series of independent and assisted living communities in the St. Paul area. Faith played a central role throughout Mary's life. Raised in the Russian Orthodox Church, she later became a devoted member of Immanuel Church-now known as Grace Church of Roseville-where she sang in the choir and volunteered one day a week for 20 years following her retirement. Mary is survived by her nephew John Stepowoy Jr. and his wife Helen of Asheville, North Carolina. She was beloved "Great Aunt Mary" to Debbie Vasel, Mary Lynn Collingwood, and Mark Stepowoy of Ohio, the grandchildren of her eldest sister Anna through Anna's son, Val, who passed away in 1995. Mary and Val shared a special bond-more like siblings than aunt and nephew-as they once lived together and were only ten years apart in age. "Great-Great Aunt Mary" will also be dearly missed by John (and his young son Jacob who visited frequently) and his sisters Tori, Mandy, Nicole and Rachel as well as his cousins Tommy, Chris, and Ryan, all of whom were blessed to share in her love and warmth. Mary maintained close ties with Leon's family in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oregon and is survived by nieces and nephews Cythia Gander, Curtis and Joan Gander, Keith and Mariel (Gander) Woods, Don and Barbara Hess, Art and Caroline Hess, Bill Gander, George and Louise (Gander) Eusterman, Bob and Carol Gander, Don and Mary Gander, Lee and Melinda Gander, Jesse and Lisa Gander and many Grand nieces and nephews. Mary's life was one of devotion-to her family, her friends, her faith, and the beauty she cultivated around her. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and grace.

Tributes

Mary Christopian Gander

July 2, 1924 - October 30, 2025

Tributes

Mary Christopian Gander

July 2, 1924 - October 30, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203