Mary Patricia Pekara

It is with saddened hearts that we announce Mary Pekara has lost her battle with cancer on November 20th, 2021. She was surrounded by family and friends in her home. Mary was born on December 9th, 1957 to Marion (Buzz) and Patricia Pedley, in Chicago, IL. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Bryan, sons Bryan Jr. (Brittany) and Joseph (Dylmishia) and grandson Dylan, sister Jeanine Emory (Gordon), brother-in-law Bill Pekara (Betty), sister-in-law Sharon Pekara (Greg), brother-in-law Dave Pekara (Marie), sister-in-law Tammy Kowalczyk (Al) and cousins Tom McCarthy (Tracy), and sever nieces and nephews Lauren Seaver (Daniel), Steven Emory (Brenna), Kailyn Emory, Kevin Emory, Billy Pekara (Vicky), Amy Lueder (Scott), Melissa Okon (Greg), Raymond Carson (Tracy), Kameron Kowalczyk, and Casey Kowalczyk. She was preceded in death by her parents Marion (Buzz) and Patricia Pedley, her brother John Pedley, and infant sister Cathy, along with her grandparents, in-laws, aunts, and uncles. Mary and Bryan met in 1979 and were married on August 1st, 1981 in Northlake, IL. A week later, they moved to Colorado to begin a life filled with happiness and adventures. They enjoyed their Colorado lifestyle. In 1983, Mary and Bryan began to build their home in LaPorte. It was a true challenge that was well-worth the hard work and sacrifices. It took 2 years to complete as they did most of the construction themselves. They lived there for 16 years and then made Windsor their home. In 1989, they welcomed their first son, Bryan Jr. and in 1991, they welcomed their second son, Joseph. In 2014, grandson Dylan was borna and has brought so much joy to the family. Life is precious and family was always their first priority. Mary dearly loved her family and was so proud of all of their accomplishments. She always put her family first and nothing gave her more happiness than spending time with them. Mary was an avid sports fan and she enjoyed ice hockey and baseball. Mary especially enjoyed watching her sons play sports. She volunteered on several committees and managed their teams for 10 years. Mary cherished all of the friendships and memories made over the years. Mary also loved her Colorado and Chicago pro teams. She said growing up a die-hard Cubs fan made her optimistic and taught her patience! She was very happy when the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016, as well as when the Avalanche and Blackhawks won multiple Stanley Cups. The Colorado Avalanche honored Mary at their 2018 Hockey Fights Cancer Ceremony. It was a very special tribute to Mary, and was sponsored by UCHealth. Mary enjoyed traveling. In addition to traveling across the U.S. and Canada for her sons’ hockey games, her favorite memories were family vacations to Chicago, Florida, and California. Mary was a creative person who enjoyed photography, sewing, crafts, and scrapbooking. She was always making homemade items for family and friends. She loved animals and referred to her dogs as her “fur nurses” because of the comfort they brought her. Mary worked for the City of Fort Collins Utilities for 22 years. She enjoyed servicing her customers and loved her “city” family. She was always a positive, helpful and motivational employee. She was very compassionate and always went above and beyond to help others in all aspects other life. Mary’s battle with breast cancer began in 2004 and returned in 2016. A few months after the second diagnosis, stage 4 lung cancer was also diagnosed. This diagnosis was very unexpected as Mary never smoked. Mary took on the challenge of cancer without any fear. She was an inspiration to others and fought with a smile on her face at all times. Mary had a great sense of humor and always said cancer would never take the humor away from her. Mary’s message was always to be kind and helpful to everyone, always smile, ad live everyday to the fullest. She loved everyone and always focused on other and their needs. She genuinely took interest in everyone. She took time with everyone and made everyone feel special. Mary believed and lived her life by saying “it’s the people in your life that are important, not the material things”. This message is so true and we are so grateful for all of the love and support Mary received from everyone who loved and cared for her. No one every fights cancer alone and we would like to thank our family and friends for all of your love and support. Mary was overwhelmed by all of your kindness. We would especially like to thank the physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and all of the staff at UCHealth Imaging, PVH, MCR, and UCHealth Anschutz. Mary always said she would travel to the moon and back for their care. They are amazing caregivers and we are so grateful for them. A special thank you goes to Supermarket Liquors, Ft. Collins Pond Hockey, Hill and Hill LLC, and local businesses for their generosity, kindness, and caring concerns along the way. We are all so grateful for all of the help, love, and support we received during this battle. Mary considered everyone part of her angel network. She was a very loving and caring person and was thankful for all of the love she received. She will be deeply missed, but will live on in our hearts forever. In her memory, please pass on kindness every day, laugh, and love your family and friends. The next time you stop at Dairy Queen, enjoy a chocolate malt/shake in her honor! In lieu of flowers, please donate to the family to help with medical bills, or donate to any of the following charities – St. Jude, American Cancer Society, or your local animal rescue in honor of Mary. Viewing will be at Bohlender Funeral Home on December 3rd, 2021 from 5-7 pm. Funeral service will be at Bohlender Funeral Home on December 4th, 2021 from 10-11:30 am, followed by internment at Grandview Cemetery. Lunch/drinks will follow at 415 Restaurant on December 4th, 2021 from 1-4 pm.

Tributes

Mary Patricia Pekara

December 9, 1957 - November 20, 2021