Mary Bechtold

Mary Beth Bechtold passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2022, at the age of 59.  Mary was born in Denver, Colorado on November 9, 1962, to Joseph DeWitt (deceased) and Betty Lou Bechtold.  Her older sister Joan initially saw little value in having a newborn at home, but soon could not imagine life without her.  After moving to Rangely, Colorado and El Paso, Texas, the Bechtold family returned to Denver, and Mary ultimately graduated from Columbine High School in 1981.  After graduation, Mary earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Arapahoe Community College, and later received her paralegal certification from the University of Colorado in Denver.  Mary spent the bulk of her working life in the financial services industry, where she worked her way up from being a collector to becoming an Assistant Vice President with Citi, where she worked for more than twenty-five years.  She later worked as a Business Operation Manager for Santander Consumer USA, Inc.  Mary was an excellent manager, who took great pride in helping to develop the employees who worked for her.  After leaving Santander in 2014, Mary spent the bulk of her time caring for her beloved father, who had late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease, so that he could continue living the remainder of his life at home.  After his death in 2016, she continued to provide care for her mother.  Mary’s interests were extensive.  She loved spending time with people and inherited her father’s love for practical jokes. She was a “cat mom” who loved her animals.  She was also deeply interested in social justice issues, and over time she often traveled to visit indigenous tribes in the American Southwest.  She developed a deep respect for their cultures as well as their arts and crafts.  Mary is survived by her mother Betty; sister Joan; and the love of her life, James Eberle. Mary’s Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the Cat Care Society and the Native American Rights Fund.