Ann Christianson Mahoney passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday, November 13 at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N Second St, Bismarck. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed, available on the church's YouTube here.

Family will greet guests from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck. A vigil service and time for sharing memories will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Ann was born to Melvin and Jean Christianson in Devils Lake, ND, on August 30, 1953. She spent her early years in Minnewaukan, ND. The family moved to Devils Lake, ND when Ann was in 5th grade, and she graduated from Devils Lake Central in 1971. Ann then attended the University of North Dakota where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Ann was joined in marriage to her lifelong partner John Mahoney in August of 1975, and they both entered law school that same year. Ann and John graduated from UND Law School in 1978, and ventured out to Center, ND where they opened their private practice law offices, later adding an office in New Salem. In 1980, Ann was appointed Judge of the County Court of Increased Jurisdiction for Benson County, headquartered in Minnewaukan. She was the first woman to be appointed to that position, and at the time the highest judicial position of any woman in the history of North Dakota.

Ann had a huge heart and would not turn away anyone who was in serious need of legal services, regardless of their ability to pay. As a result, a significant portion of her practice was pro bono, for which she never complained.

While Ann earned a reputation as an incredibly sharp attorney who worked long hours and struck fear in the hearts of opposing counsel, her first and foremost love was for her family. Ann and John bore four beautiful children, Carly, Allie, John P. and Jackie. She loved cooking and her family was spoiled with fabulous meals, conversations, music and love. She never missed her children or grandchildren's events, and was never too busy to sew Halloween costumes and many other projects.

Ann was active in many community affairs and served on several boards. She was appointed to the ND Horse Racing Commission and was instrumental in the establishment of a rural health clinic in Center through the Coal Country Clinics Board. She was also active in St. Martins Catholic Church, teaching catechism, being a reader and eucharistic minister and helping at various church events.

Gardening was a great escape for Ann, her gardens always tended to be ever-expanding and consuming the yard. She enjoyed traveling with family, golf, reading, swimming, snow and water-skiing, playing games, and especially spending time with her family at their cabin at Wood Lake, ND. Ann devoted her time to her kids and grandkids. The most joyous and memorable week of each year for her (and the grandkids) was when she hosted “Bama Camp” every summer with just her and the grandkids at the cabin.

Ann is survived by her mate, John Mahoney; children, Carly (Phil Petershick) Mahoney, Bismarck, Allison (Chris) Schapp, Mandan, John P. Mahoney, Mandan, and Jackie Mahoney, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Sean Peterschick, Seth Peterschick, Taylor Paszek, Reese Paszek, Camden Schapp, and Kira Schapp; brother, Neil (Leanne) Christianson, Billings, MT, Mary (Doug) Berg, Devils Lake, Gail (Bill) Halgren, Devils Lake; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and her dog, Miss Molly.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Jean; two brothers, John Christianson and Paul Christianson; and several uncles and aunts.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the caring staff and residents of Edgewood Mandan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Ann.