Dorothy Mae Horan

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Mae Horan who was born on April 30, 1926 in Denver, Colorado and passed away on June 17, 2017, after living a beautiful life to be with our Lord. Dorothy was 91. She was the daughter of Lewis and Angela (Poje) Smith and sister of Betty Ann Lewis and Donald Smith. Dorothy grew up in South Denver, and even though she was raised during the Depression, she had fond memories of her childhood. She graduated from South High School and went on to study at Denver University where she flourished. She was a member of Tri Delta Sorority and was President of the Associated Women Students of the DU Civic Center. She was even crowned Homecoming Queen. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Personnel Management, she pursued a Master's degree in Business. However, after falling in love with William (Bill) P. Horan, she married and ended her formal studies at DU. She never lost her love of learning be it her interest in Bill's career as a lawyer, fostering a love of learning with her 7 children, pursuing work as a Registrar at the Colorado State Capitol or as a tax preparer, and an avid book reader. She even, at times, returned to Denver University to take classes or attend seminars. As a profession, Homemaker hardly describes the breadth and scope of her efforts, talents and love. She exemplified a loving marriage of 31 years with Bill until his passing in 1982. In addition, raising her seven children, Bill Horan, Kathleen Horan Avery, James Horan, Karen Horan Markham, Patricia Horan Cantrell, Kevin Horan, and Marilee Horan, in a loving home was her profound purpose in life. In her later years, she went on to enjoy each and every grandchild, Joe Horan, Julie Markham, Amanda Avery White, Brian Horan, Kristen Avery Baldinger, Jennifer Markham, Dylan Horan, Stephanie Markham, and Blake Horan. She was so proud of her grandchildren that she had a hard time complimenting one without complimenting all. Most blessedly, she was even able to cherish her time with her 2 great-grandchildren, Camden and Ryan White. Being Denver natives, Dorothy and Bill had many friends and family with whom to share wonderful memories. Although in their early years, they were busy raising a family in Park Hill, Dorothy developed many interests later in life including art, bridge, bowling, golf, recording audiobooks for the blind, and all-around doting Grandma. Dorothy had a wonderful spiritual life. One of the compelling attributes that attracted Dorothy to Bill was his Catholic faith. She lovingly and freely converted to Catholicism and practiced her faith and love of God everyday with every act. It was all together fitting that Dorothy received ""The Sacrament of the Anointing Sick"" at home surrounded by her family. She will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass and her final resting place will be next to her beloved husband at Mt. Olivet. To know Dorothy was to love Dorothy. She will be dearly missed. However, to believe that she will be sharing eternity with her Lord surrounded by her previously departed family and friends has been a comfort to all of those who mourn her death. A ""Celebration of Life"" will be offered at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel located at 1091 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Risen Christ Catholic Parish, 3060 S. Monaco Pkwy, Denver. Reception to immediately follow. A Procession to the Place of Final Committal at Mt. Olivet will follow the reception. Please share your memories of Dorothy and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.