Mary Spanberger

Mary Emily Lake Spanberger, age 74, passed away on July 6, 2021, surrounded by family.  She had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years. She was born August 3, 1946 in Hastings, Nebraska to Max and Kathrine “Kitty” Lake and raised in Salina, Kansas. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1964, the San Francisco College for Women in 1968, and the University of Denver in 1969.

A lifelong reader, Mary enjoyed a career as a librarian, working at the Chicago Public Library, Denver Public Library, and the Englewood Public Library.  She also enjoyed her daily morning swims at the local Y, volunteering at Catholic Charities, spending time with grandchildren, and spoiling her dogs.  She traveled frequently, visiting Asia, South America, and numerous countries in the Caribbean and Europe.  The Colorado mountains were her favorite travel destination. Mary’s warm and caring demeanor will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Mary was preceded in death by her siblings Kathrine Lake and John Lake.  She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Peter Spanberger; her children Sarah Carlson (Rob) and Peter Spanberger (Chris); her grandchildren Andy, Anna, Abby, and Jack Carlson; her siblings Stephen Lake (Joyce) and Jane Schwartz (A.J.); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021 beginning at 5:00 PM at Horan and McConaty Funeral Chapel at 5303 E. County Line Rd., Centennial, CO, 80122.  A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 20 at 10:30 AM at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton, CO, 80128.  A graveside service will be held at a later date at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice.

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1