Carolina Cremation

Available 24/7
Charlotte (980) 237-1731
Salisbury (704) 636-1515
Concord (704) 260-0943

Mary Catherine Ristau

Share

Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.

Mary Catherine Ristau, known to many as Mary Kay, passed away at the age of 71 on April 1, 2025, surrounded by her beloved husband, Gary, and her daughters. She was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, in 1953.

Mary’s journey in life was shaped by her deep love for family, art, and education. She met her husband Gary at a Maine South cast party in 1970, and together they shared a passion for creating stained glass windows. One of Mary and Gary’s favorite activities was kayaking, a pastime they enjoyed together, creating lasting memories on the water. Mary earned her degree in Early Childhood Development from Northern Illinois University and dedicated much of her life to teaching and nurturing young minds.

Mary spent the majority of her career as the director of Trinity Preschool in Mount Prospect, where she touched the lives of countless children and families. Her enthusiasm for early childhood education was evident in the way she spoke about the children who passed through the school’s doors. She was devoted to her students, and the impact she made in their lives will never be forgotten.

In addition to her work in education, Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. She spent many weekends attending her daughter’s art shows, Irish dance competitions, and theater productions, always offering her unwavering support. After retirement, Mary enjoyed spending time on Lake Norman in Davidson, NC, where she relished the peaceful surroundings. During that time she also became affectionately known as “Adventure Lady” as she embraced the role of helping to raise her grandson, Sutton. She took immense pride in watching her older grandson, Colin, excel in swimming and grow into a respectful young man.

Mary was a kind and loving soul who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, creativity, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Spencer. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Ristau; her daughter Kate Askegaard (and son-in-law Brad) and grandson Colin; her daughter Lora Ristau and grandson Sutton; her sister Judy Anderson; and her nephews, Mitchell Anderson, Adam Anderson, Kurt Bergemann, and Derek Bergemann.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a children’s organization, in honor of her deep love for early childhood education and lifelong commitment to helping children thrive.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Ristau family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.

Condolences

  1. Sue Gillett says

    I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.

Leave a Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Carolina Cremation

Salisbury

650 Industrial Ave, PO Box 2185
Salisbury, North Carolina 28145
(704) 636-1515(704) 636-1515

Charlotte

8517 Davis Lake Pwky, Suite D-3
Charlotte, North Carolina 28269
(980) 237-1731(980) 237-1731

Concord

381 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025
(704) 260-0943(704) 260-0943

How Can We Help?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Charlotte: (980) 237-1731 Salisbury: (704) 636-1515 Concord: (704) 260-0943