Martha Jane McGavin

Martha Jane Moroney McGavin

Martha passed away on Sunday October 11, 2026, surrounded by her kids. She always said that each day is a gift, and probably never stopped to think what a gift she was to all who knew her. During her long, productive life she touched many people with her generous and grateful spirit and her willingness to learn and adapt to new circumstances.

Martha was born in Tulsa on November 3, 1929, to James Patrick Moroney and Beatrice Evelyn Heibel. Her sister Bebe was born six years later. Her father's work in the oil business led the family to Casper and Denver. She graduated in engineering physics from the University of Colorado in 1950. Martha was one of the first women in the engineering school and the only female in the CU Physics Club.

She met her husband, Raymond Edward McGavin, a WWII veteran, when he was her physics classmate. They attended the Catholic Newman club and became good friends. After graduation they married and decided to stay in Colorado, and eventually made Boulder their permanent home. Martha and Raymond were married for 33 years until his death in 1984.

Martha and Ray had six children (Margaret, Elizabeth, Richard, Catherine, Edward and Andrew). The McGavins were actively involved in Sacred Heart of Jesus parish, where the kids went to Catholic school. Martha was a leader in the Junior Great Books program and served on the Parish Council for many years.

After her oldest children were grown, Martha returned to the University of Colorado and completed her MS in Engineering Design. As a masters project, she designed a solar greenhouse for the family home in Sunshine Canyon. Martha worked in the solar energy and software industries, and was recognized for creating prize-winning software user manuals.

Martha was active in Boulder organizations, including the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, where she was a volunteer for 20 years and Treasurer on the Board of Directors. She participated in the League of Women Voters, the Flatirons Ski Club, the CU Society of Women Engineers and the I Have a Dream Foundation.

In her spare time she enjoyed snowshoeing with her children and grandchildren. Martha taught all of her kids to cook, and baked ten loaves of bread every Saturday. She especially loved hosting dinners for family and friends who were always welcome at her table.

Martha traveled extensively, frequently staying with her daughter and family in Mexico, and visiting Buenos Aires with her son and Argentine daughter-in-law. She and friends enjoyed Alaska, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. In Peru, her favorite experience was staying with a family on Lake Titicaca.M

Martha mentored three of her grandchildren who each lived with her while studying at the University of Colorado. They all agree that she was the best roommate, always ready to support them with good food and a safe environment while expecting them to figure out and commit to their own goals.

All her life Martha championed the value of learning. She was a staunch supporter of women in science. Nothing made her more excited than to hear young girls and women talk about their struggles and commitment to continue their education. She would raise her fist and say Yes! when she heard of their achievements.

In her later years at Balfour Retirement Community in Louisville, Martha enjoyed music, bingo and the company of staff and other residents, as well as frequent visits from her family. No matter what her health challenges could be, she relied strongly on her faith to help her get through each day. She was always gracious: the words which passed her lips most frequently were “Thank you for taking care of me".

Thank you for taking care of us, dear Martha. We love you and miss you!

Martha is survived by her six children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and their spouses, and 17 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Martha’s name to the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra.

Gatherings:

Wednesday October 14: Viewing (5 pm) and rosary (6 pm) will be at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder.

Thursday October 15: Funeral Mass (10 am) Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1318 Mapleton Ave, Boulder. Burial to follow Mass at Mountain View Memorial Park, 3016 Kalmia Ave, Boulder. After the burial, Martha’s family will host a reception at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder.

Martha’s family is also planning a celebration of her life in January. For details visit:

https://senseimcgavin.wixsite.com/family