Mary Ann Padilla

“When people ask me what I do, I tell them I was in the business of helping people put food on their table and a roof over their heads.” Mary Ann Padilla passed quietly on March 17, 2021 after a successful, accomplished, inspiring, and adventurous life as a leader in her family, in her community, and in the Colorado business world. Her impact and influence on so many people is immeasurable.

Mary Ann was born in Sapello, New Mexico to Pedro and Conferina Padilla. She was the fifth of nine siblings. At an early age, the family moved to Brighton, Colorado. During these formative years, Mary Ann assisted the family by working in the fields around Brighton where the family would pool their money for the benefit of all.  Her experiences in helping her family built the foundation of her strong work ethic and dedication to helping others.

Mary Ann graduated from Brighton High School and attended the University of Colorado.  After college she learned about the employment business. In 1975 she founded Sunny Side Inc./Temp Side. When it came to naming her business, her attorney suggested that she name it something that had to do with her personality and indicated that she had “a sunny disposition and a very positive energy” about her. Hence, Sunny Side Inc. was born. After her request for a small business loan was refused by several banks, Mary Ann turned to her family. She borrowed $3,000 from her older brother Victor and with the desks her father built, she started her own employment agency. From there she built one of the most successful privately owned employment agencies in Colorado. Later in 1985, with the help of her sister Beth, she expanded to include a temporary employment agency which was timely, due to the economic downturn at that time, and equally successful. Later, she expanded her interests and co-founded a telecom company providing telecommunication to rural areas of several southwestern states, otherwise ignored by larger telecom companies.

Mary Ann’s many honors included being named the U.S. Hispanic Business Woman of the Year, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Woman of the Year, Colorado Business Hall of Fame 2011 Laureate, Small Business Administration and Avon Corporation’s National Women of Enterprise award, and was named as a delegate to the National White House Conference of Small Businesses. She was also named as a “Woman of Distinction” by the Mile Hi Council of the Girl Scouts of America.

Included in Mary Ann’s endeavors, she was a DCPA trustee and was involved with the Greater Metro Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Women Business Owners, and the United Way.  She also established a scholarship endowment for Hispanic children through Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Her tremendous amount of determination, perseverance, and optimism were the keys to her success. Her love of people and desire to help others endeared her to many. The employment business was the perfect outlet for her altruistic outlook on life. As she often said: “I look for the best in everyone because I believe there is dignity in all people, and dignity in all work.”

Early in her career, Mary Ann met her life partner and husband, Bob Grabowski. He was her rock to lean on throughout her life. Together, in business, on the golf course, or in her many charitable ventures, Bob was always there for her. She could not have found a better partner in life and in business than Bob.

Regardless of her successful business ventures and philanthropy, Mary Ann kept herself grounded with her family.  She often returned to Brighton to spend time with her beloved parents and family, noting that this time re-energized her batteries which helped her maintain her busy schedule.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband Robert Grabowski, her siblings Victor Padilla (Irene), Polly Clifford, Emma Padilla, Gil Padilla, J.C Padilla, Beth Verdeal, and Linda LeBallister, and affectionately by many nieces and nephews.

Her love and dedication was strong as she always wanted to help others. She had a special place in her heart for women in need of help or support. She assisted women in many ways. Whether it be as a mentor or providing financial, emotional, or educational support, Mary Ann was always available. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Mary Ann’s honor to Mi Casa Resource Center to provide scholarships for women entrepreneurs in the Business Pathways Program. Mi Casa Resource Center, 345 S. Grove Street, Denver, CO  80219.

Please join her family for a service and reception to celebrate Mary Ann’s life and many accomplishments on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 1pm at The Seawell Ballroom at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts at 14th and Curtis Streets, Denver Colorado 80204. Due to COVID-19, seating is limited so reservations are required.

Please click the link below to RSVP.

The Seawell Ballroom wants to foster a safe and healthy event space for all of our clients, guests, staff, and artists. Following CDC Recommendations they have taken steps to enhance our health and safety measures in our venue and maintain best practices both required and recommended by public health officials.  All guests will be required to go through a health screening upon arrival to the venue.  Please visit https://www.denvercenter.org/venue-rentals/covid-19/ to learn more about what to expect when you arrive at the venue.

Upon Your Arrival:

• A health screening will be conducted for staff, vendors, clients, and guests at the entrance of the building.
• By city order, all must wear non-medical cloth face coverings that cover the nose and mouth while in attendance.
• Additional hand sanitizer stations will be provided in key areas of ingress and egress.
• Physically-distanced queues and barriers may be in use to help establish travel paths and transition points for high trafficked areas such as check-in, elevator, restrooms, etc.
• Employees will use face coverings and gloves, appropriate for their work, and be trained in proper use and disposal.
• Additional disinfectant protocols for high-touch areas and overall building cleaning have been developed for use by the Facilities team, and will also continue to be updated.