My Message to Mary

Mary was a lot of things to a lot of people so I thought I would start with some memories of Mary that illustrate her character:

Mary was a tough woman --

- My first memory of Mary was long before I knew who she was. I lived downtown and attended UCCS so my commute rout was along Nevada Avenue. Most days I would see this tiny girl riding a humongous red and yellow downhill bike south on Nevada. It didn’t matter if the sun was out, there was rain, or ice on the roads; she was pedaling away. Come to find out she was headed to school or work and would later return along the same rout.

- Jeff Mary’s high school mountain bike coach recalls the following: “One day the plan for the team was to train on the Santa Fe trail, and by train I mean ride as fast as we could down to Criterium and back. As we headed to the start point we happened upon a long set of steep stairs that the racers wanted to ride down. Now, Mary was quiet, but didn’t hesitate. As she neared the bottom her handlebar caught the railing throwing her on the ground. There was a pause and complete silence hushed over the group. As she helped herself up we asked her if she was alright and she said “yea, I’m fine. Let’s go.” The team continued our training session by riding north on the Santa Fe Trail. Mary hauled north turned around quickly and beat the boys back. The next day Mary showed up to school with a cast on her wrist, which she broke.”

These are more recent memories:

- From Kennon (team mate and friend): “About a month ago I asked Mary if she wanted to enter the Triple DHip (DH bike race at Sol Vista). Her response...’Should we enter? Does the pope wear a pointy hat? Hell yeah we should do it!!!!’ This is just one small phase, but for me it says so much about Mary's feisty spirit. I loved her desire for adventure and how she was always up for the challenge. She truly was a bad ass.”

-From Melissa (Team mate and friend): “Last September Mary was faced with juggling her commitment to race in the 24hours of COS and her work schedule. She wanted to put in her laps before she left for work so she rode the first two laps, kicked ass...as usual, went home, showered, and worked a busy shift. She returned at midnight and was ready to ride again. Steffie stepped in and told her to get some rest because Mary had been non-stop for hours. To no avail Mary was 100% willing to do that night lap. She didn't let that get in her way of performing and being part of the team. She really impressed me that race.”

- Betty’s memory: “When Mary moved back to Colorado Springs from Summit County, she told Damon and I how she reeeaaallly liked Eli. Eli had no clue (like most guys when a sweet shy girl is fond of him.) Damon and I decided to host a little double date dinner. We invited Mary and Eli over and had such an amazing evening with them playing cards and telling stories. The chemistry between them filled the room. I had never seen Mary that happy.”

- This one is from Betty and Kennon and represents how tough Mary was. One day Kennon, Mary, and Betty were on a Heiser ride when Mary crashed and bloodied her knee. She requested an Advil, but neither of them had anything to give her so Kennon offered an Altoid in a joking manner. She said sure, licked the Altoid and started rubbing it into her bloody knee. She thought it might lesson the pain.”

Under “favorite quotations” on Mary’s Facebook page she chose “Friend: One who knows all about you and likes you just the same.”
Friendships were what made Mary – Mary. The sheer number of people in this room proves that is true. Each of us had a unique connection with Mary that ranged in the degree of intimacy. However, common threads ran through each. We know that Mary always wanted what was best for each of us, was honest and understanding, trusted each of us with her heart, and approached each relationship with acceptance.
She was always interested in going for a ride with friends, having a cup of coffee and conversation, working on trials, grilling in the backyard, hiking the incline, helping with home improvement projects, or cooking extravagant dinners for her friends and family. Whatever it was Mary simply wanted to spend time with those she loved in meaningful ways.

It’s only human to have negative thoughts about people, but Mary refused to pay any mind to those. She always focused on the best attributes of each person she knew and admired them. She recognized her friends’ success in education, her brothers’ achievements in their professional life, and the settled lifestyle that those around her seemed to have. She never spoke ill of people in her life rather she was thankful and honored each person she came into contact with.
We all hope that Mary finds peace and I hope her strong and compassionate spirit lives on in each of us.

I part with “This is A Wish for You” by A.A. Milne the creator of Winnie the Pooh

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”