Mary Jo Padilla

MJ passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on October 10, 2022.  She has been reunited in heaven with her brother Joe.  Born in Toledo, Ohio to Michael and Geraldine Smith.  MJ attended St. Ursula Academy where she lettered in basketball, soccer, and softball.  She continued playing basketball collegiately at Regis University in Denver, CO, graduating with a degree in nursing. She furthered her education earning a Master's degree in Nursing from University of Colorado and practiced as a nurse practitioner.  An accomplished student, athlete, and professional, nothing was more important to MJ than her family.

MJ was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Smith.  She is survived by her husband John Padilla and three children Joe, Grace, and Sloane, her parents Michael and Geraldine Smith, sister Rose Ayres (Eric) and their children Ryan and Madeline, brother Bill Smith (Amy) and their children Caroline and Luke.  MJ fought colorectal cancer for two years.  After being diagnosed in April 2021, she perservered through surgery and chemo and beat the disease.  Unfortunately, the cancer returned with a vengence in April 2022.  However, she kept her faith and hope to beat the disease again.  "One day at a time" became her mantra.  She was bound and determined to continue living her life the only way she knew how...to the fullest. She never gave up.

John and MJ were married August 19, 1999 in Maui, Hawaii.  MJ spent time in Maui in the past, so this became a special place for her and her family.  MJ was a dedicated mother, house manager, and scheduler who supported every sport and activity her children did.  MJ volunteered her time to support John's philanthropic work with CASA.  MJ loved to travel.  She and her family enjoyed going to places all over the world.  She was adventurous, daring, and brave.  She became certified as a scuba diver and she was an avid skier.  MJ also tried so many other things like sky diving, horseback riding, zip lining, mountain biking, surfing.

MJ was beautiful, fun loving, vibrant, dedicated to her family, and a powerful "Type A".  She had a "cackle" of a laugh that could fill a room.  She had a passion to live her best life every day by sharing love and laughter with those closest to her.  No doubt she will be waiting for us at heaven's gate to give us a tour of the place.

A private funeral mass was held in her memory with immediate family.  A celebration of her life will be held near her home in Colorado in November.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Colorectal Cancer Alliance: https://impact.ccalliance.org/fundraiser/4218869

"Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows, and live your todays" - anonymous.