Mary Mclellan

Mary Gene (Lohr) McLellan died peacefully from natural causes, and in the company of family, on the morning of June 30, 2020, at age 87 at the Village at Belmar in Lakewood, Colorado. She was born in Denver on June 28, 1933 as the eldest child of Mary V. (Callahan) Lohr and Eugene E. "Chub" Lohr and lived a long and happy life. She married Leo McLellan on August 16, 1952 and both are survived by their four children, Thomas (René), Michael (Peggy), Cindy (Erich) Ehrenstrasser, and Dan (Michael, Kay). Known as our beloved "Mo" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she brought happiness to so many of us with her sparkling eyes, quick smile and joie de vivre . She is preceded in death by brother Edward and sister Winifred Alterman, and is survived by sisters Patricia "Arlene" Callahan, Linda Rojo and brother Robert.

Mary Gene was a gifted artist of life and a gift to our lives. She was a loving mother, wife, sister, friend to multitudes, and family matriarch. She was a caregiver at heart and fiercely loyal to family and friends. A hard-working go-getter, she graduated from Cathedral High School. At age 14, she professed her love for, and intention to marry, classmate Leo McLellan. Theirs was an inspiring love story.

Mo was a family historian, excellent listener, stylish dresser, jubilant dancer, and keeper of stories, notes, and treasured knick-knacks. She felt most at home in the mountains and at the cabin she built with Leo on her family homestead in North Park, where she enjoyed hiking, running, fishing, and cleaning up CO Highway 14. She made friends wherever she went – the grocery store, the bike path, the South & North stands at the Broncos game, and as ticket manager at the University of Denver from 1972-1993. Most importantly, she made everyone, everywhere feel seen and appreciated.

Her home was an oasis for your heart, soul and appetite; she loved to interact and feed people. As conversations continued and music played, food, drinks, and candy poured forth in a never ending supply. Peanut M&Ms were her favorite candy and she loved "greenies in threes" the best.

Mary Gene requested to be cremated and asked there be no funeral service mourning her death. A memorial party to celebrate her life will be held in 2021, when family and friends can reunite. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

We are extremely grateful for Mom's daughter, Cindy, who in the eight years since Leo's passing, was always at her side as a tireless and loving caregiver. The McLellan family also sincerely thanks all the health professionals and staff who have cared for Mary Gene at the end of her life. The Village at Belmar, Monarch House: Michael Ruback – Director, Angela, Amy, Pam, Virginia, Ashley, Siobhan, Marison, Daneya, Jasmin, Christina, Lelana, Sharon, Mary, Victoria,Tayla, and Jessica; Touching Hearts: Ryan Fensler and his entire team (especially Hasller who was a bright spot in Mo's final days!); Medical Care: Charlotte Popovich, NP; Suncrest Hospice Care: Doug Christensen, RN, BSN, Carrie, CNA.