Mary Lou McCollum

Mary Lou McCollum passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 84. A woman of strong convictions and a sharp wit, Mary Lou was a dedicated educator and a passionate advocate for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.

Born on December 16, 1941, Mary Lou graduated from Mesquite High School and matriculated and later graduated from Texas Women’s University. After college, she moved from Texas to Colorado, where she built a long and impactful career. She served as a high school counselor at Montbello High School in Denver, offering guidance to students with the same straightforwardness and strength of mind that defined her personal life.

In Colorado, Mary Lou met her life partner, Dee Dunbar. The two shared a deep bond rooted in outdoor adventures, camping, hiking, and a shared spiritual journey. They were dedicated yoga practitioners who appreciated the spiritual side of the practice, while also maintaining their Christian faith. Mary Lou particularly looked forward to Easter services at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Denver, where she found great joy in the powerful music of the large choir and the resonance of the pipe organ.

Following Dee’s passing in June 2021, Mary Lou navigated the loss of her partner with the support of her local community and her beloved dogs. She enjoyed attending Cavaliers of the West show weekends and fun matches in Denver with her prize-winning agility dog, Lexie. Her home was often a hub for the breed; she frequently dog-sat, and it was not uncommon to find three energetic Cavaliers running through her house at once.

Mary Lou was known for being "spicy" and never hesitated to speak her mind. She was firm in her beliefs and generally felt her way was the right way, a trait that made her both a formidable and memorable presence. While her demanding nature could be a challenge for some, those who knew her well saw a woman who could give her heart quickly and love deeply. She was a social person, quick with a sparkling smile and eyes that snapped with intelligence and spirit.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her father, William S. McCollum, mother, Mary Lou Gideon McCollum, brother, William S. McCollum Jr., and Sister in law, Tommie Louise Beniteau McCollum, Uncle, Dr. James Bennett Hooker and Aunt, Ione Gideon Hooker. She is survived by her niece, Courtney McCollum, nephew Warren McCollum and wife Kelli McCollum, cousins Leanna Bartlett, and husband Huey Bartlett, Bethani Knight, Brooke Cepak, Brett Bartlett and wife Stephanie Bartlett all residing in Texas.

Service Information

A celebration of life will be held at Olinger Hampden Mortuary on Friday, March 27, at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cavaliers of the West dog breed club.

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