Mary Kay Matzkanin

Mary Kay (Kathryn) Matzkanin passed away peacefully on February 14, 2017 at her home in Erie, Colorado after a courageous six year battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her husband, George, daughter Karen (Brouillette) and son Mark who were with her offering love and support. Mary K. was born in Minot, North Dakota on March 17, 1938 to Charles and Lydia Hohn. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her aunt Kathryn Hohn (Tante) who raised her from 7 years old after the untimely death of her mother, and her younger sister, Kathryn (Kathy) McFarlen. Mary K. and Kathy grew up in Stanley, North Dakota where their father owned and operated one of the local pharmacies. Mary K. and her husband George met in college where George played in a dance band. During their 55 years together they spent many enjoyable moments going dancing, boating and water skiing, and listening to jazz music. Mary K. chose a career in nursing and received her BSN degree from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN, training at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. Her career was highlighted by her time working in psychiatric facilities and the neonatal intensive care unit. Mary K. lived with George in Gainesville, Florida, Chicago, and San Antonio where they raised Karen and Mark. They then moved to Austin, Texas, before Mary K.'s love of the mountains called them out to Colorado, where they eventually settled in Erie. Mary K. loved the beauty of the area and enjoyed frequent trips to Estes Park in the Rocky Mountain National Forest. Mary K. loved sewing, particularly for her daughter Karen, and crafted two beautiful baptismal gowns for her friend's grandchildren. She was also a gifted present wrapper and took meticulous care in picking out cards for every special occasion. She loved to bake, and her homemade Halloween cookies were a big hit among neighborhood trick or treaters. She enjoyed seeking out new recipes and therefore acquired a large collection of cookbooks. She was always one of the first in line to help with her children's fund raisers or drive her kids to gymnastics or theater practices. Mary K. was a loving and enthusiastic supporter of her children and championed them in all of their scholastic and extracurricular activities. She and George developed strong friendships that lasted her entire life. Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate her life at a funeral mass at 10:30 am on March 10, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (715 Cabrini Drive, Lafayette CO 80026; phone: 303-665-5103). A luncheon will immediately follow the mass at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Assistance (720-229-0303) or to the American Cancer Society. Please share your memories of Mary K. and condolences with her family by using the Guestbook link below.