Mary Elaine Christiansen

Mary Elaine (McKillip, Friedl) Christiansen died peacefully in Lake Oswego, Oregon on February 25, 2022, just before her 88th birthday. Her partner, sons, daughters and grandson were with her. In her thoughts were her family and well-loved friends. Mary will be remembered for her fountain of vivacious energy.

Daughter of Veronica and Laurence McKillip, born in 1934 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Mary had an amazing mind but could only afford one

year of college in 1951. She married Thomas Friedl and

had six children by age 29. Mary returned to college for psychology in her 40s.

She began her 35-year career in Mill Valley, CA after training in movement analysis and ergonomic design with Judith Aston. She designed workspaces for many artists and musicians. She designed Seiji Ozawa Hall concert chairs, working with architect William Rawn at

Tanglewood, MA, and also at Green Music Center. Her business became Seating Dynamics, focusing on environments for ease.

Loving her work, she created close and loving relationships. Mary gave and received so much generosity in her life. An avid thinker who read widely, she loved sharing ideas. Her final book, "The Root of Thought," lit her up with enthusiasm.

Mary believed in adventure. She visited the Galapagos Islands, traveled widely seeing Paris, Italy, Spain, Australia, Ecuador, New England, Santa Fe, Seattle and Yosemite. She was an avid hiker, biker, and swimmer, devoted to yoga and kayaking. Retiring to Mary’s Woods in Oregon at 85, she was active and grateful to be in such a beautiful place.