Marie Reiber

Marie (Totta) Reiber - loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother - passed away at the age of 88 on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice, and her daughter, Janet.

Marie was born on August 2, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri to Peter and Mary (Ventura) Totta, immigrants from Italy. When Marie was two years old, her family moved to Colorado where she and her sisters, Annie and Fran (Lillie), grew up in North Denver near 38th and Navajo Street in a close-knit Italian community.

Marie contracted rheumatic fever when she was eleven years old and spent three months in Children's Hospital and another year at Boettcher School for children with special needs. She fondly remembered her year at the school. Luckily, Marie led a very healthy life despite having such a debilitating illness as a child.

On October 6, 1951, several months after graduating from high school, Marie married her sweetheart, Maurice, who had recently been discharged from the U.S. Air Force. They had three children, Janet, John, and Diane, followed by two grandchildren, Kristin and Carrie Anne. Marie's newest joy was her great-grandchild, two-year-old Connor, the apple of her eye.

Marie worked for Safeway for 35 years and after retiring she did not slow down at all. She nannied for many children who lovingly referred to her as "Memberie" (Miss Marie). She also spent time catering weddings, house and pet sitting for friends, playing cards, and organizing events for various clubs. She enjoyed traveling and visiting with family and friends in the Denver area as well as around the country. Always an incredibly social person, she kept in contact with many friends over the years, including those from her childhood. She loved to share stories of her experiences, which frequently had a humorous twist to them.

Marie will forever be remembered for her vivacious personality, strength, and generosity. She was the most dedicated friend you could ever ask for and would do anything for anyone who needed help. Her primary focus throughout life was her family and friends. There will never be another Marie, and the world is not as bright without her. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation Monday, June 20, 2022, 5:00-7:00 pm, Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227. Funeral Service Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 11:00 am, Hosanna Lutheran Church, 10304 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton, CO 80127. Interment Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 9:00 am, Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Hosanna Lutheran Church, 10304 W. Belleview Ave. Littleton, CO 80127.