Mary V. Lemos

Mary V. Lemos, devoted mother, loving grandmother, gentle great-grandmother, kind sister, trusted friend and strong woman died peacefully in her Fort Collins home as family members prayed by her side on Friday, August 14, 2009. She was 92. Mary was born on April 8, 1917, in Houston, Texas, to Pablo and Cayetana Vasquez. As a young child she migrated with her family to Northern Colorado where Fort Collins became her lifelong home. In 1938, Mary married Ray G. Lemos, Sr. of Fort Collins. Together they raised 10 wonderful children. Mary was a homemaker until the death of her husband in 1961, after which she worked various jobs in order to provide financially for her children. During her life, she enjoyed her volunteer work at Holy Family Catholic Church and Poudre Valley Hospital where she served as a Pink Lady. Mary took great pride in providing childcare for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was a safe harbor for several of her grandchildren in need. She spent many joyous hours preparing meals for her family. She loved quilting, sewing and crocheting. However, her most important treasure was the close relationship she had with her God, her angels and her saints. Her strong values left a legacy for her family. In her own special way, she displayed unfailing strength, faith and the ability to care more about others than self. Mary spent the last five years of her life living with her daughter, Lupe; son-in-law, Jerry; granddaughter, Carissa; and dogs, Cookie and Charlie. Together they built a faith-based, peaceful and joyful family unit. During this time, Mary also developed a joy of sports and attended numerous sporting events. Mary is survived by three sons and four daughters; Ray Lemos, Jr. Janet, Eleanor Jimenez Tony, Marcella R. Lemos, Elena Spiotta, Victoriano Lemos, George Lemos, Sr., and Lupe Lemos-Sigward Jerry. In addition, Mary is survived by two sisters, Anita Bustos and Betty Hernandez of Cheyenne, Wyo. She is also survived by special grandchildren, Ray Lee Lemos, Lisa Lemos Escobar, Thomas Oliver and Miguel Lemos, 15 additional grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mary is preceded in death by her father, Pablo Vasquez; mother, Cayetana Vasquez-Sanchez; stepfather, Juan Sanchez; brother, Joe Vasquez; husband, Ray G. Lemos, Sr.; three sons, Joe and Paul Lemos and infant son, Ray; daughter, Mary Ruybal; granddaughter Lindsay Lemos and great-granddaughter Angelica Mascarenaz. Mary's immediate family would like to thank Dr. David Abbey and his nursing staff for their continued care and compassion and Pathways Hospice for their support. A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at Holy Family Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery.