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Melanie Ann Baron, Boulder, CO
Melanie Ann Baron, 57, a long-time resident of Boulder, passed away in Albuquerque, NM on November 26, 2008, after many years of suffering from congestive heart failure.
Mel was born and raised in New York City and as a young adult she lived in Upstate New York. In the 1970s, she moved to Colorado, where her son Brandoch was born and raised. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, her respected career with NASA continued to carry her around the U.S. and Puerto Rico. After leaving her NASA position, she lived in New York, Colorado, Virginia and Arizona, finally settling in Laurel, Delaware in the late 1990s. When her husband, Bill, died in 2007, Mel moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and most recently was visiting with friends in New Mexico.
Mel is predeceased by her loving husband William Baron and special friend, her dog, Cinnamon Rose. She is survived by her son, Brandoch Cook, his wife Karen, a grandson Wolfgang, her sister Sharon and a long list of family and friends across the United States.
Mel’s ashes will be spread in the Truth or Consequences, New Mexico area, where it was her nearly-attained dream to live out the balance of her life.
Jean Gelardo, Boulder, CO
1933 - 2008
Jean Gelardo passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at the Sunrise Retirement Community in Boulder, CO, after two years at the Academy at Bella Vista. In recent years she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 75.
Jean was born in New York City On Jan. 3, 1933 to Ralph and Pearl Gelardo. She had a younger brother, Jerry. She was raised in Mount Vernon, NY, and attended the City College of New York where she met her first husband, Herman “Hank” Walzer. They were married in 1954 and moved to Colorado soon after, where Hank became the Executive Director of the Mental Health Center of Boulder County, Inc. Jean and Hank adopted two children, Christopher John Walzer and Nancy Jean Walzer, both of whom live in Boulder County.
Hank died in 1974. Jean then married Wes Yordon in 1981. Wes was a professor in the Economics Department at the University of Colorado. Jean loved to travel. She and Wes made several international trips, and after his death in 1995, she continued going on tours, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Turkey and China, by herself.
In the late 1950s and throughout the 60s Jean devoted her time and energy to the Civil Rights movement. She was a member of the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) and participated in marches and voter education projects. In 1969 Jean graduated from Denver University with masters in social work. She worked first at the Boulder County Mental Health Center and later in private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in individual and couples therapy. For many years, she continued to volunteer for local Human Service Agencies: RSVP, the Radio Reading Service for the Blind, and Habitat for Humanity.
Music played a big part in Jean’s life in her later years. She took piano lessons, and played very well. She enjoyed the camaraderie with other piano students at the regular “soirées.” She loved the classics, but ragtime piano music was a big favorite for her. That interest led to her being involved in volunteering for the Rocky Mountain Ragtime Festival in Boulder for several years, bringing her a lot of joy. She contributed scholarship money for students in the College of Music at the University of Colorado and enjoyed keeping in touch with the recipients of those funds.
As was her wish, her body was donated to Science Care, where it will be used for research and to educate and train the next generation of medical professionals. Contributions in her honor can be made to the University Of Colorado School Of Music or the Boulder Humane Society. Announcement of a Memorial Service will be forthcoming.
Christopher Robert Burtis
Home to be with the Lord early this week.
He passed away unexpectedly at his home. He will be greatly missed by his Loving family; Father Steve, Mother Terry, Sisters Lauren and Katie, his Grandmother, Mary F. Burtis.
Words cannot express the love for Chris in our lives.
A Celebration of Chris's Life will be held Tuesday 7pm at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church 10150 E. Belleview Ave.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Chris Burtis Memorial Foundation c/o 1st Bank 5105 E. DTC Pkwy Greenwood Village CO. 80111
Martin J. "Marty" Lukoskie, Boulder, CO
1915 - 2008
Martin J. “Marty” Lukoskie, 93, died Mon., Dec. 1, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Louisville, CO. He was born on January 13, 1915, in St. Paul, MN, to Joseph W. Lukoskie and Anna Marie Frenette Lukoskie.
He graduated from Central High School in St. Paul, MN, and from the University of Minnesota in 1937. He served with the FBI from 1942 to 1950 and with the CIA from 1953 to 1976.
He was married to Beverly Marie Nelson in 1941. She preceded him in death. He was married to Katherine Beattie Lindeke, of Boulder on March 3, 1984.
He was a member of the FBI Ex-agents Society of Colorado and the Central Intelligence Retirees Assn. of Colorado, a Paul Harris Fellow of the Boulder Rotary Club, the Boulder Country Club, and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was a past president of the Ocean City, Maryland Kiwanis Club. Also, a member of the Serra Club and the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. He was a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church.
Surviving are his wife Kay, two daughters, Judith Henderson, Ocean Pines, MD and Marianna Brindley, Sterling, VA. Two sons; Martin, Keswick, VA and Bruce of Stockton, MD. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
He leaves two sisters, Irene Fallon, Coon Rapids, MN and Alice Kisch, Mendota Heights, MN, a brother, George Lukoskie, Carmichael, CA. Three sisters, Frances Keis, Anna Marie, and Clare O’Neill, and two brothers, Joseph and Larry preceded him in death.
Visitation 12:30 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial 1:30 p.m., Sun. Dec. 7, 2008 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 3300 Table Mesa Dr., Boulder, CO. A reception will follow the services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal, c/o St. Martin de Porres Church, 3300 Table Mesa Dr., Boulder, CO 80303 or the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Foundation, P.O. Box 1027, Quantico, VA 22134-1027.
Susan Holleley Edwards, Boulder, CO
1943 - 2008
Susan Edwards of Boulder passed away shortly before noon on November 25 in the presence of her partner of 28 years, Denny Robertson, and two old friends.
Susan was born in Chicago to George Edwards and Gladys Mitchell Edwards on April 9, 1943. In Chicago, Susan was a leader in the feminist community that published a popular lesbian newspaper called “Lavender Woman.” She completed a Masters degree in English and American Literature at the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana. Susan met Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1976 and helped build the Chicago Dharmadatu. She moved to Boulder in 1978 to teach at Naropa Institute.
She was many things to many people: an artist, teacher, counselor, mentor, student, and dear friend. As an artist, she worked in many mediums including poetry and prose, photography, printmaking, ceramics, pen and ink, and bookmaking. This work was displayed at venues including the museums of contemporary art in Boulder and Denver. Her written work has been published, including The Wild West Wind/Remembering Allen Ginsberg, performed, and printed in publications including elephant journal. Susan and her partner Denny cultivated a wonderful garden, which many Boulderites were able to visit as part of the Eccentric Garden Tour.
Susan taught at both Naropa University and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is remembered for encouraging precise, creative thought and expression, helping her students and those she mentored find what they loved in life. Susan counseled many students, clients, and friends through the difficult and joyful times of their lives. An avid scholar, Susan studied the sacred teachings of many traditions including Tibetan Buddhism, Judaism, and Western mysticism. Always offering a fresh perspective, she thought on a level deeper and different than most.
She was a beloved leader in many communities. She served on the Boulder Shambhala Community Council and on the City of Boulder Arts Commission from 1989 through 1995. Susan will be dearly missed by her many friends and companions. She is survived by her partner Denny Robertson, her brother Robert Upman, her sister Mary Huck, her niece Holly Lewis, her Buddha-daughter Maron Greenleaf, and her two cats Gorby and Boo. Tributes to Susan can be found online at elephant journal (elephantjournal.com) and The Chronicles of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche (chronicleproject.com). Services in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition will be held at the Boulder Shambhala Center (1345 Spruce St.) at 5pm with sitting meditation starting at noon on Friday, November 28. All who knew Susan are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Boulder Shambhala Center.
Susan Holleley Edwards, Boulder, CO
1943 - 2008
Susan Edwards of Boulder passed away shortly before noon on November 25 in the presence of her partner of 28 years, Denny Robertson, and two old friends.
Susan was born in Chicago to George Edwards and Gladys Mitchell Edwards on April 9, 1943. In Chicago, Susan was a leader in the feminist community that published a popular lesbian newspaper called “Lavender Woman.” She completed a Masters degree in English and American Literature at the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana. Susan met Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1976 and helped build the Chicago Dharmadatu. She moved to Boulder in 1978 to teach at Naropa Institute.
She was many things to many people: an artist, teacher, counselor, mentor, student, and dear friend. As an artist, she worked in many mediums including poetry and prose, photography, printmaking, ceramics, pen and ink, and bookmaking. This work was displayed at venues including the museums of contemporary art in Boulder and Denver. Her written work has been published, including The Wild West Wind/Remembering Allen Ginsberg, performed, and printed in publications including elephant journal. Susan and her partner Denny cultivated a wonderful garden, which many Boulderites were able to visit as part of the Eccentric Garden Tour.
Susan taught at both Naropa University and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is remembered for encouraging precise, creative thought and expression, helping her students and those she mentored find what they loved in life. Susan counseled many students, clients, and friends through the difficult and joyful times of their lives. An avid scholar, Susan studied the sacred teachings of many traditions including Tibetan Buddhism, Judaism, and Western mysticism. Always offering a fresh perspective, she thought on a level deeper and different than most.
She was a beloved leader in many communities. She served on the Boulder Shambhala Community Council and on the City of Boulder Arts Commission from 1989 through 1995. Susan will be dearly missed by her many friends and companions. She is survived by her partner Denny Robertson, her brother Robert Upman, her sister Mary Huck, her niece Holly Lewis, her Buddha-daughter Maron Greenleaf, and her two cats Gorby and Boo. Tributes to Susan can be found online at elephant journal (elephantjournal.com) and The Chronicles of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche (chronicleproject.com). Services in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition will be held at the Boulder Shambhala Center (1345 Spruce St.) at 5pm with sitting meditation starting at noon on Friday, November 28. All who knew Susan are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Boulder Shambhala Center.
Thomas Lee Kupfner, Superior, CO
1962 - 2008
Thomas Lee Kupfner of Superior, CO, passed away on November 24, 2008. He was 46 years old.
Tom was born on September 1, 1962 to George D. Kupfner and Bonnie L. Pancost Kupfner in Boulder, CO.
Tom attended Sacred Heart of Jesus primary school in Boulder, Colorado. Upon his completion there, he went on to Fairview initially, and finished at Boulder High School. Tom participated in many sports, and was a standout athlete. His main passion with regard to sports was football. Once he was out of high school, he pursued a football career for a few years. After that, he joined the workforce, where he stayed until his passing. Most recently, Tom made a living as the owner of his own trucking company. Tom was also an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing greatly. Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Those family members and friends were the focus of Tom's whole life, especially his mother, Bonnie, and his daughter, Kyia. Tom was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish for his entire life. He will be missed greatly by many.
Tom is survived by daughter Kyia Kupfner; parents Bonnie and George; sister Helen Nickerson (Dennis); brothers George L. Kupfner (Lisa), Phillip Kupfner (Vicki), Tim Kupfner (Kari), and Rocky Kupfner (Betsy); 14 nieces and nephews and eight great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents George and Dorothy Kupfner; maternal grandparents Ira and Helen Pancost and niece Brittney Kupfner.
A visitation will be held Sunday, November 30, 2008 from 1-5 p.m. at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Pl., Boulder, CO 80301. A rosary will be held on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 1317 Mapleton, Boulder, CO 80304 followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Kupfner family, c/o Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Pl., Boulder, CO 80301.
Mary Ann Strobridge, Boulder, CO
1937 - 2008
Mary Ann Strobridge of Boulder lost her battle with cancer on August 30, 2008.
Mary Ann was born in Dallas, and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. Following her graduation from Duke University with majors in Business and Spanish she joined the U.S. Information Agency and carried out assignments in several South American countries and in Mexico City. Returning to the United States, she moved to Colorado and earned her PhD in speech and hearing at CU Boulder. She joined the Boulder Valley School District and served for many years guiding speech impaired and learning disabled students toward more successful lives.
Mary Ann also attended CU Law School, and was admitted to the Colorado Bar after graduation in 1978. Specializing in family law, she became known for her assistance to financially troubled clients and for her pro bono work.
Mary Ann’s athletic accomplishments were impressive. She was an active member of the Boulder Tennis Association. She was also a member of the National Ski Patrol. She taught both downhill and cross country skiing at Eldora. For fifteen years she was a volunteer instructor at the National Sports Center for the Disabled at Winter Park. She was one of the first persons to learn windsurfing during the infancy of that sport in the early 1980’s.
She became a scuba diving enthusiast and eventually earned her certification as a dive master.
An avid bicyclist, Mary Ann was an official of the Colorado Mountain Club bicycle touring group. She was co-leader of tours in Colorado and several countries in Europe.
Mary Ann is survived by long-term companion Hugh O’Brien, and by Sheila Raney of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, widow of her beloved brother Eugene.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 5 2008, 3:00 p.m., at Pro Hill at Boulder Reservoir. In case of inclement weather the service will be held at Crist Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026, or the Boulder Valley Humane Society, 2323 55th St., Boulder, Co 80301.
Robert W. Parker, Boulder, CO
1926 - 2008
Robert W. Parker died peacefully at home on the morning of Saturday October 11, 2008. Bob is survived by his wife, Claire, his four children, Lynn, Greg, Kelly and John, 11 grandchildren, whom he helped raise, his three brothers Albert, G. Thomas, and Theodore Parker, and his sister Kay Joyner.
Bob grew up in Wabash, Indiana, and after graduating from high school in 1944, was drafted into the United States Army. From October 1944 to August 1946, Bob served with the 511th Parachute Infantry, including six months of service in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.
In 1948 Bob moved to Colorado to study physics at the University of Colorado. He was a Research Engineer with the University of Colorado’s Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics for 20 years. After retiring, Bob devoted time to what he really enjoyed, gardening, reading history and his family.
Bob had a very green thumb, and spent several years creating a beautiful garden and orchard at his home in Sunshine Canyon in Boulder.
Bob was a gentle and caring man, and is loved very much; he will be missed dearly. A private memorial service will be held for the family. He will be laid to rest at Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder, CO.
Elizabeth Weiner, Boulder, CO
Elizabeth Weiner died tragically in an automobile accident on icy roads early Monday morning, October 13. She was 84 years old.
Elizabeth was born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany in 1924, the youngest of three children. Alone, she was forced to move to Amsterdam in 1939 to escape the atrocities of Hitler's holocaust. Able to escape the fate of the death camps, her family emigrated from Germany and eventually reunited in New York City.
In New York, Elizabeth married Harry Weiner, a recent émigré from Vienna, Austria. They had three children and lived, by all accounts, a normal, happy suburban life. By the 1960's, like many other women, Elizabeth started to question the idea of traditional stay-at-home motherhood and the conventional role of wife. She began a journey that was to last the rest of her life. Elizabeth divorced her husband and began attending workshops offering to help her grow into her potential. She explored the emotional scars she bore from the Hitler years. She pushed to free herself from societal conventions in all ways. She spent years developing her artistic talents.
After her children left home, Elizabeth sold her house in New York and all of her earthly possessions, bought a Volkswagen camper, and took off alone heading west- end point unknown. After many months of workshops and professional training as a therapist, she settled in Tucson, Arizona, where with friends, she opened a store offering spiritual books and tapes: the Cosmic Center.
Feeling the need to reinvent herself once again, she sought out training by the renowned death and dying expert, Elizabeth Kubler Ross. After many years, she became Kubler Ross' right hand assistant. Together, they traveled, taught, and helped thousands of people deal with the process of death. And although a holocaust survivor herself, Elizabeth assisted thousands of innocent German people to overcome their guilt about the atrocities that had taken place during the war. Her German biography- Wo Leben Is, Is Hoffnung (Where There is Life, There is Hope) published in 2001.
In recent years, she wound down her extensive European workshop schedule and moved to Florida. In 2005, she moved to Boulder County to be closer to family. She felt in sync with spiritualism here. The Rockies reminded her of the Alps of her childhood. Elizabeth was endlessly delighted by sunsets, the beauty of the fall colors, the serenity of a mountain lake. And nature loved her- her green thumb was magical. With forever a twinkle in her eye, she lived what she believed in: love, fun, spiritualism and possibilities.
Survivors include a son, Ken, and wife Linda, of New York, a daughter Michele, and husband Jim, of Boulder, and a son Chuck, and wife Gerri, of California. Elizabeth's grandchildren: Danielle, Zachary, Allison, Jackie, Lindsey, Brandon, and Charlotte will greatly miss her.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held, Wednesday, 5 p.m. at Congregation Har Ha Shem, 2950 Baseline Rd., Boulder. Friends who wish may give to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure, 5005 LBJ FWY, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244.
Howard Oakley Smart, Boulder, CO
1946 - 2009
“Oak” (Howard Oakley Smart) grew up in Pasadena, California, and moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1970. Oak enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and honorably served on a guided missile frigate. Beginning in 1970, Oak drove tour buses for the Denver-Boulder Bus Company. When Denver-Boulder was bought by RTD, Oak continued to drive for RTD until 1982, when he became a transportation supervisor. After retiring from management in 2001, Oak returned to part-time driving. A multiple-time bus Roadeo champion, Oak loved being behind the wheel of a big vehicle.
Oak was a member of the Soaring Society of Boulder for over three decades. He enjoyed an annual trip to Dalhart, Texas, to fly his glider and share stories with other Boulder glider pilots. Oak played his trumpet in the Boulder Concert Band. He was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boulder. His travels with his wife took him to Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Turkey, the Philippines, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Zambia, and recently to France and Italy.
Oak was known and loved for being a kind, gentle, and thoughtful individual. He is cherished by his wife, Louise, and his son, Sam Alschuler, and his siblings, David Smart of Rochester, New York, Margo Gross of San Jose, California, and Olive Ratcliffe of Gig Harbor, Washington.
An informal service to come together to love Oak and all his wonderful qualities will be held on Tuesday, February 10, at 11:30AM at Chautauqua, in the Grand Assembly room of the Community House.
Contributions may be made to: First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2243 13th Street, Boulder CO 80302.
Mary Roberts Bragg
Mary was born in Wise, Virginia in 1922, the eldest of eight children of Karl and Helen Roberts. It was her early responsibility to help support her family and care for her sisters and brothers. She joined the WAVES during World War II, where she served our country and met and married her husband John Bragg, then a Lieutenant Commander in the submarine service.
After the war Mary and John settled in Schenectady NY where they raised four children, Janet, John, Kathy and Arthur. Mary was a supportive mom, always helping and encouraging her children in their eclectic pursuits: horseback riding and horse shows; field hockey, basketball; competitive swimming; piano, organ and violin.
Mary was a craftswoman and an artist, although she would never have said that about herself. She made her children’s clothes and Halloween costumes, including a panda, a two-person horse, and for a costume competition at a horse show, a very large horsefly! She knitted sweaters and tailored jackets. She worked in decoupage and collage. When she and John moved to Asheville, North Carolina in the early 90’s, she found the art she was meant to do – quilting. She explored traditional quilt patterns and created innovative new designs. Every quilt completed gave her new ideas for the next one. Her gift for combining colors and patterns and intricate quilting make her work unique and her quilts prized possessions. Mary had a generous heart and enjoyed giving her quilts to her children and grandchildren, and to her many friends.
Another passion was duplicate bridge and she became a Life Master and a much sought after teacher. After John’s retirement, they enjoyed traveling aboard their boat the Mary B.
When John died, Mary moved to Frasier Meadows Manor, a senior residential community in Boulder, Colorado, to live near Arthur and his family. During her time there, she made many friends among the residents and staff. What she liked best was befriending people who were lonely or who needed help. She also enjoyed traveling to visit children and grandchildren.
She died on January 22, 2009 in the Assisted Living Center of Frasier Meadows, in her own room, with members of her family around her. Mary is survived, celebrated and missed by her 4 children and John’s wife Barbra, Art’s wife Becky and Kathy’s husband Mark Lindquist; her 7 grandchildren and Ben’s wife Casey; her 2 great-grandchildren; and her sister Martha and brothers George and Joe. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at 10:30 in the Chapel of Frasier Meadows Manor.
As in every life, there were struggles and sorrows as well as triumphs and joys. Mary lived with determination and courage, generously, with love and a helping heart. We, her children, are grateful for all that she gave us, and glad that she was our mother.
Eleanor "Jean" Flaherty, Boulder, CO
Eleanor “Jean” Flaherty of Boulder, CO passed away on March 25, 2009 in Broomfield, CO.
Eleanor was born on July 7, 1930 to John Daniels and Eleanor Bailey in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She graduated Ft. Smith Senior High School in 1948, and went on to work as the Assistant Chief Clerk for the House of Representatives in the Arizona State Legislature for four years. After moving to Boulder, Eleanor owned and operated the retail business Party Themes in the Village Shopping Center from 1977 to 1994. She received the Outstanding Retail Business Award from the Boulder Chamber of Commerce. Eleanor was also a very active member of the Calvary Bible Church.
Eleanor is survived by her sons David Flaherty (Barbara) of Lafayette and Patrick Flaherty (Michelle) of Broomfield; brother Richard Daniels of Ft. Smith, AR; sister Darleen Sundberg of Westminster; grandchildren Lorie Flaherty, Hannah and Jordan Bachus and Emily Flaherty; Great grandchild Alexis Flaherty and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one grandson Michael Flaherty.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2009 at Calvary Bible Church in Boulder, CO, with Pastor Tom Shirk officiating. Private interment at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boulder, CO. Contributions may be made to Calvary Bible Church 3245 Kalmia Ave., Boulder, CO 80301
Crist Mortuary & Crematory
