Marcia Waltz Hafemeister

It is with a heavy heart that the Hafemeister family announces the death of their beloved mother and wife, Marcia. Marcia died unexpectedly on Monday, January 17th. Marcia Waltz Hafemeister was born in Toledo, Ohio on July 19th, 1948. She was raised in Ottawa Hills by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Franklin "Bud" Waltz (Janet) and attended Maumee Valley Country Day School before leaving Ohio for Colorado to attend Colorado Women's College. Marcia was always outgoing, adventurous and full of energy. Her kindness was irresitible.

Marcia worked as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Storer in Jackson, Michigan for several summers in the late 1960's and began leading teenaged campers on rafting and backpacking excursions to the Rocky Mountains. Through her YMCA leadership roles she drove vans, maneuvered canoes, set up camp and created trailblazing outdoor education experiences for teenagers. Moving to Colorado deepened her love of the outdoors.

After graduating from Colorado Women's College in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Marcia began working as a teacher in Denver Public Schools. She met her husband of 47 years, Jim, in Vail, Colorado in 1972. They were married soon after in 1974 in Denver, Colorado. They lived briefly in Huntington Beach, California where their daughter, Becky, was born and the family moved back to Colorado, to Colorado Springs, in January 1978. Their son, Jay, followed in 1980. Jim and Marcia raised Becky and Jay, and grew a successful restaurant business. Once the business found its footing, Marcia returned to teaching. Marcia was an inspiring educator working at The Colorado Springs School, Districts 12 and 20 and Hillsprings Academy over her 30-year primary and reading education career. Her involvement in Head Start, Hillsprings Academy and Children's Literacy Center touched her heart and inspired her daily. The captstone of her career was earning a Master of Arts in Education in 2004. She mentored many on their path to becoming educators. She was a valuable part of so many children's lives.

Marcia was an integral member of the Colorado Springs community for over 40 years. She was active as a member and sustainer of The Junior League of Colorado Springs, National Charity League, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Hillsprings Academy, and various arts establishments in and around Colorado Springs. Most recently she had become engaged with Children's Literacy Center. Her lifelong passions were literacy, education and care for the environment.

Marcia was a healthy, active and vibrant person. In her younger years she loved camping and skiing. Jim and Marcia met in Vail Village after a closure of Vail Pass precluded her and her best friend from leaving to drive home. Together Jim and Marcia instilled a love for the mountains and skiing in their children with many memorable ski vacations over the years. In her later years, Marcia loved walking, yoga, swimming, hiking, reading, and playing mahjong, and she had a special devotion to her Bible study and book club groups. She and Jim had a delightful life full of outdoor adventure together. They loved hiking, fly fishing and golfing, enjoyed traveling with friends, and most of all treasured time with their family and their grandchildren. Marcia radiated joy and happiness whenever she walked into a room. She brightened everyone's day with a warm hello and her beautiful smile. She remembered the small things; the details of others' lives. She was a wonderful mother and wife, and we were so grateful for our time with her. She was selfless and kind and will be missed by so many.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, James. Her daughter, Becky Schaub (Brian) of Denver, Colorado, her son, Jay Hafemeister (Lindsey) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and four grandchildren: Carson and Whitney Schaub and Haley and Natalie Hafemeister. She is also survived by two brothers, David F. Waltz and Thomas A. Waltz both of Sylvania, Ohio.

Services will be held on Thursday, February 3rd at 1:30pm at Broadmoor Community Church (315 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Children's Literacy Center https://childrensliteracycenter.org/donate/" target="_blank">HERE. For those who elect to send flowers, suggested florists are CM Designs: 847-331-7696 or Design Works: 719-599-4104.