Mary Jill Vogt

Mary Jill Vogt, known to friends and family as Jill, died on March 17, 2026, at age 78. She grew up in Ohio but made her life in Colorado, and the mountains were where she belonged.

As a social worker from 1974 until she retired in 2016, Jill was driven to help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. The work gave her meaning and purpose, and she had a profound impact on many of the people she helped.

The outdoors was where Jill felt great joy and connection. Whether alone or sharing adventures with friends and family, she loved horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, bicycling, and canoeing. She cared deeply about protecting nature and lived her values every day, in the choices she made and the environmental and wildlife causes she supported over the years. Native American spirituality also held deep meaning for her, and she was happiest when she could take part in its traditions.

She also filled her life and the lives of others with the arts: the symphony, plays, musicals, and museums. She was in the audience every time her family was on stage playing in band or orchestra, or behind the scenes running lights and sound for the school theater program.

Over the years Jill shared her life with dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other animals, and she loved every one of them. But there was only one Bear. A Lab and golden retriever mix born in her kitchen, Bear was her soulmate, and the bond they shared was something special.

Jill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, both people and animals.

At her request, there will be no service. Those who wish to honor her memory may make a donation to the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust (wildlifelandtrust.org).