Mary Ann Sonnen

With deep sorrow the family of Mary Ann Sonnen announces her passing on September 23, 2024. After a year-long battle with cancer, Mary Ann passed away at The Ridge at Pinehurst in Lakewood, CO.

Mary Ann was a proud native Coloradan, born in Denver on November 17, 1935. Her family now includes 5th generation Coloradan great-grandchildren. She attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic grade school, then served as Senior Class President and Salutatorian at St. Mary’s Academy, graduating in 1953. During a dance hosted at Regis High School she met her husband, Charles (Chuck) Sonnen II. Chuck proceeded to attend Marquette University; Mary Ann attended two years later upon her high school graduation.

Married in June of 1956, the couple immediately moved to Quantico, VA, where Chuck was stationed as an officer in the Marines, and their first son was born. Three more children were added in rapid succession upon returning to Denver. The young mother became the heart of the family, as she continued to be throughout her entire life. In 1975 they built their dream home in Evergreen. They remained in Evergreen for 47 years, a community Mary Ann loved and within which she became an integral part. In the 1990s, five cherished grandchildren were added to the growing family. Mary Ann and Chuck moved to The Ridge at Pinehurst in 2022.

Mary Ann was a financial wizard. Teased by her children about her frugality, she cut costs and coupons to stretch the family’s income so her children could attend Catholic schools, and all four kids could attend college. Despite the teasing, she was known for her generosity of spirit, time and financial help. This help extended to not only her family, but also to innumerable charities she quietly but continuously supported. She volunteered for multiple organizations including her church, Christ the King, and LifeCare Center of Evergreen, a nursing home where she provided assistance well into her 80s. At the age of 79, she was named Life Care’s ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ despite being older than some of the residents.

Throughout her life Mary Ann created lasting friendships. Her vast circle of friends included many met in grade school and high school, other parents from her children’s schools with whom she served in the PTA, countless Evergreen neighbors, fellow church members, golfers and volunteers, and those she made immediately upon her move to The Ridge. These lifelong friendships were established and cemented with her quick humor (including an ability to laugh at herself), bright mind and open nature. She and Chuck travelled extensively, forming even more friendships along the way, and instilled a love of travel in her children and grandchildren.

Athletic, beautiful, whip-smart, funny and kind, Mary Ann’s greatest legacy was her devotion to her family. She was a constant in their lives—hosting family celebrations at a home built to bring a big family together, loving them unconditionally and always being present. She will be missed beyond measure.

Mary Ann is survived by four children - Chuck (Marie), Gregg (Ella), Jan Thompson (Brad), and Steve (Jenni); five grandchildren - Mark (Anna), Crista James (Chas), Kevin (Aliya), Matt Thompson (Laura), and Leah Thompson; three great grandchildren - Maggie, Jack and Palmer; and her younger brother, Jerry Halloran. A funeral mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Evergreen on October 5, 2024 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Charities, 6240 Smith Rd., Denver, CO 80216, https://ccdenver.org/donate/ or Evergreen Christian Outreach, 27888 Meadow Dr., Evergreen, CO 80439, https://evergreenchristianoutreach.org/donate

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