Mary Wilhelmi

Mary Ann Wilhelmi passed away on November 20, 2022. Mary was born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 15, 1948 to LaVern and Marian Christiansen. She grew up in Earling, Iowa and was the oldest of four children. Growing up, Mary helped in the family store, played basketball, spent time gardening, and enjoyed time with her family at Lake View. In 1965, she graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and was the valedictorian of her graduating class.  After high school, Mary went to nurses training in Omaha, Nebraska. While in nurses training, Mary met and married the love of her life. Mary and Bill were married on December 14th, 1968 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa.  Mary graduated from nurses training with honors in 1969.  After nurses training, Mary went on to work as a registered nurse while raising her growing family and living in different states around the country. In 1983, Mary and Bill settled in Aurora, Colorado with their five children. In the early 1990’s, Mary went back to school and earned her Masters degree in Organizational Management. She took a job as a hospital administrator and continued in the position until her retirement in 2016. In 2003, Mary and Bill moved to Westminster where she played an integral role in the opening of Good Samaritan Hospital. Mary took great pride in her work and was highly regarded by her colleagues.  After retirement, Bill and Mary spent time together enjoying their house, traveling, and gathering with family. She especially enjoyed the time spent with her sister.

Mary was the most amazing cook and loved to host gatherings and feed her family. As her children grew older, she cherished the moments when everyone was together. In 2018, Mary and Bill celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Out of all of her roles, grandma was one of her most favorites. She adored each of her grandchildren and made an effort to spoil them at every opportunity. She always made sure they were taken care of, had a present under the tree and had an Easter basket filled with their favorite things. She loved to cuddle with them in her favorite chair.

Mary is survived by, her loving husband of 53 years, Bill, her son Greg (Rhonda) Wilhelmi of Colorado Springs, Colorado, daughter Laura (Abe) Brass of Fort Collins, Colorado, son Chris (Evelyn) Wilhelmi of New Albany, Ohio, and daughter Melissa (Garrett) McBride of Aurora, Colorado and her grandchildren Bailey Wilhelmi, Gwenyth Brass, Juliette Brass, Brody McBride, Ryder McBride, Jackelyn Wilhelmi, and Cecilia Wilhelmi. She is also survived by her sister Kathleen (Joe) DePedro of Conroe, Texas, brother Bob (Deb) Christiansen of San Antonio, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.  Mary was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Wilhelmi, her brother, Bill Christiansen, and her parents.

We will forever cherish our beautiful mother and we will hold all of our memories close to our hearts. Her memory and legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren. We will do our best to make the dressing with the right amount of sage and the pie crusts flaky.