Mary Toller

The last of our Greatest Generation left us yesterday at the age of 95 to finally join our Lord in Heaven and to be reunited with the love of her life.

Growing up in the coal camps around Walsenburg, she was the youngest of four siblings. She was only 7 years old when her father was tragically killed in a car accident. The family moved in with her maternal Grandmother and the older siblings worked to help support the family. Throughout her life, she worked as a salesclerk at Hobeikas Ready to Wear Store in Walsenburg, a secretary for the WRP office, a bookkeeper at Dissler’s Furniture, a cook at St. Mary’s School and helped Kecko manage the Toller apartments until they sold the property in 2017. But her greatest job that she loved the most was being Mama, Grandma and Nana.

She was married to her sweetheart for one month shy of 70 years until his passing in 2018. Together they raised four amazing men who have become loving, hard-working and compassionate husbands, fathers, and grandfathers. When her sons married, she claimed their wives as her daughters, never daughters-in-law.

Her family was always her world. Her home was always filled with the best smells coming from her kitchen - making countless cookies, poticas, tortellini and ravioli throughout the years. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and Memorial Day barbeques were always major family gatherings. Mangia Mangia!

She was one of the most loving and caring souls I have ever met. She was always grateful for all she had, never saying a mean word about anyone, and always staying positive through life’s challenges. Her greatest blessings were her marriage, her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.

Despite her sorrow when Kecko passed away, she kept busy sending cards and making calls to her friends as well as spending time with her family. She even traveled to Virigina and Alabama to visit her grandchildren & great grandchildren.

When stairs became difficult, she made transitioning to assisted living look easy and soon became the matriarch of the Turner House. She quickly made friends with all the residents and became a favorite to all the staff who served her. Her room was filled with pictures of all her family and snacks to share with everyone. She even learned how to use an Echo at the age of 95 … “Alexa, play Frank Sinatra”.

Although her body failed her these last few months, her spirit and faith remained strong. During her final days, she continued with her prayers – having many visits from Pastors, Priests, and fellow residents to read bible verses – even singing her favorite hymn, Amazing Grace, as well as reminiscing about the good times of her life with her children and grandchildren.

Although our hearts are broken that you have left this world, our souls are rejoicing that you have gained your wings and are now our guardian angel. Your recipes will live on forever with our entire family.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Fred, of nearly 70 years until his passing in 2018, her brothers Albert and John and her sister, Eda. She is survived by her four sons, Doug (Marti) of Virginia Beach, Va.; Dennis (Candie) of Westminster, Colo.; Don (Donna) Eloy, Ariz.; and David (Verna) Colorado Springs, Colo.; 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Interment will be at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, CO, Thursday, Jan. 11, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill St, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.