Marla Kathleen Fossett

Marla Kathleen "Katie" Fossett peacefully passed away on May 19, 2024, after a long battle with dementia. Katie leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, service, teaching, and unwavering faith.

 Born on November 3, 1941 in Sterling, Colorado, Katie grew up a true Colorado girl, with a deep appreciation for spectacular sunsets, wildflowers, and the crisp mountain air. Her childhood was filled with cherished memories of working in her father's diner, friendly competition card games, and embarking on countless adventures with her four siblings, parents, cousins, and grandparents. She attended St. James Catholic grade school and St. Francis High School just outside of downtown Denver. Katie made lifelong friends wherever she went and held dear the many friendships she formed, considering friends and strangers alike as part of her extended family.

 After starting college at Creighton University, Katie transferred to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to pursue a major in Speech Pathology. It was at Marquette where she met her husband and soulmate, Ron. They married in November 1963, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to faith, devotion, and boundless love, and celebrated almost 60 years of marriage together. After their wedding they moved to Denver, Katie started teaching special needs students for Denver Public Schools, and created a welcoming home that embraced numerous friends and loved ones.

 A devoted mother to Erin (Tim Walsh), Kevin, James (Jacquie), and Amy (Tim Riley), Katie found immense joy in guiding their growth, education, and talents. She actively participated as a volunteer in their schools and extracurricular activities. As a beloved grandmother to Brady, Evan, Anna, Kaitlyn, Celia, Jenna, Kelsey, and Matthew, Katie cherished creating lasting holiday memories, engaging in skiing and golfing adventures, traveling throughout the U.S and Hawaii, and sharing precious time at the family condos in Winter Park, Colorado. She took great pride in fostering family bonds and served as the central source for sharing news and updates across their extended family and friend networks.

 Beyond her family, Katie dedicated herself to various community roles. Her unwavering commitment to Marquette University led to her recognition with the National Alumni Service Award in 2003. As a founding member and president of the Marquette Club of Colorado, she promoted education and organized events that inspired students to pursue their aspirations at Marquette for over 30 years. In service to the Archdiocese of Denver, Katie played a pivotal role in organizing World Youth Day 1993 in Denver with 400,000 attendees from around the world, earning a special blessing from Pope John Paul II. At Risen Christ Catholic Church, she tirelessly served as a eucharistic minister, engaged in nursing home outreach, and led the Respect Life Program for Denver metro schools and parishes.

 Katie's legacy of compassion, advocacy, and faith will continue to resonate through her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. A celebration of Katie's remarkable life is scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2024, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Denver, Colo., beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at the Urban Farmer restaurant in the Oxford Hotel. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Katie's memory can be made to Respect Life Colorado and the Colorado Alzheimer's Association.