Sister Mary Christopher (Diane C. Smetanka), 75 of Thousand Oaks, California passed away Monday August 2, 2010 in Thousand Oaks after a 7 year illness of congestive heart failure.  She was born June 16, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio and was a resident of Ventura County for 6 years moving here from Los Angeles, CA.  Sister Mary Christopher’s occupation was in education as a teacher.   Sister Mary Christopher was an exemplary primary teacher for more than 35 years.  Her deepest   love was for the children and families she ministered to in many parishes in South Central Los Angeles.  For five years, Sister Mary Christopher worked at the Archdioceses of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education as Coordinator of Preschool and Elementary School Sacramental Religious Development Programs.  She was noted for her many workshops and seminars in teacher training for staff members of religious education programs in the parishes.  This was a ministry which gave her much life, joy and satisfaction.  Sister Mary Christopher had a deep love of her family, friends, nature and underprivileged families. Sister Mary Christopher is survived by her nieces, Patty Rives of Simi Valley and Mary Meusburger of Riverbank, California; her brother-in-law, James Allen of Mariposa, California and grand nieces, nephews and cousins.  A Visitation will be held Monday August 9, 2010 from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. at 1776 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, Ca follow by a service at 7:00 P.M. in the same location.  A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday August 10, 2010 9:30 A.M. at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley, CA. Memorial Donations may be made to the Sister of Notre Dame 1776 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360.