Mary Elizabeth Vodicka

Mary Elizabeth Vodicka, 79, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Littleton, Colorado, with her loving sister by her side. Mary courageously lived with a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) from 2009 until her death.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Mary Ann Auracher; loving grandparents, Walter R. and Julia Little; first cousin, Michael A. Little; uncle and aunt, Aloysius and Virginia Little; and friend, Russel E. Fisher.

Mary is survived by her sister, Patricia Auracher of Littleton, Colorado; son, Joseph P. Vodicka; daughter, Deborah M. Frieze; grandchildren, Jacob Schneckloth (Blair), James J. Vodicka, and Harrison Vodicka; great-granddaughter, Violet Schneckloth; and first cousins, Marcia (Albert) Weberg and Gregory Little (Ann), all of Nebraska.

Mary was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and lived a life rooted in family, faith, love, and education. She lived with her grandparents, her mother, and her sister in the first part of her young life. This was a joyous extended family, a home filled with love, Catholic faith, learning, laughter, dogs, and celebrations for every family occasion. Mary loved Christmas, which was always a happy time to decorate our home, play Christmas songs, cook, and welcome Baby Jesus to the world. Mary attended Marian High School and graduated with honors in 1964, and was later selected as “Marian Girl of the Year,” the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior.

Following high school, Mary entered the Ursuline Sisters Convent in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended Bellarmine-Ursuline College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Education in 1969. After five years with the Ursuline Sisters, she returned to Omaha, NE. She continued her education, earning two master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Marketing and Administration and in Education.

Mary was married in 1970 to James C. Vodicka at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mary later gave birth to two wonderful children, Joseph and Deborah. Mary’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always her most precious gifts from God.

Mary worked for more than 35 years as a teacher, administrator, and marketing director in healthcare. Mary loved teaching and using her creative strategies to improve health care in the community.

After Mary was diagnosed with FTD (Frontal Temporal Dementia), her sister moved her from Omaha to Littleton, CO, for specialized memory care. Mary was with her mother at an assisted living facility in Colorado for a few years, and they both enjoyed spending time together at social events, eating together, and playing games like BINGO. Mary loved Pat's dogs, who visited her often, and they loved her back. Later in this journey, Mary found joy through painting in the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Memories in the Making” program, winning awards for her artwork called “My Flowers” and “A Pot of Flowers”. The Alzheimer's Association celebrated all the artist winners, their families, and friends at an annual Artist’s Tea Reception for formal recognition. Mary loved painting colorful flowers and created several masterpieces that now hang in Patricia’s home.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Green Meadows Assisted Living, where she was lovingly cared for by Angela and her family/caregivers for the last nine years of Mary’s life. Thank you to all the Hospice caregivers and direct care staff over the years. Mary was happy, comfortable, and she enjoyed each day by watching the Broncos football, Hallmark TV, attending festivities, listening to music, and interacting with caregivers, family, and friends.

A Catholic funeral service will be held in Omaha, Nebraska, in the spring of 2026. Details will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following:

1. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at https://www.theaftd.org/

2. Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/

3. Catholic Mass Intention at St Frances Cabrini Catholic (303) 979 7688 for Mary Vodicka or at other Catholic venues of your choice.