Celia Wilberta Kulbe

Celia was born in Stratton, Colorado, to Eleanor and Wilbert “Bill” Dreitz on May 12, 1948. Her life was marked by profound strength, and she led with faith every single day. She was an incredible mother, Nana, Great-Nana, wife, and friend to all who knew her.

Celia was the second of six children. Her family moved from Stratton to Littleton when she was a young girl. She attended Littleton High School, followed by Rangely College, where she studied to become a dental hygienist. While in college, she met Richard “Rick” Kulbe, whom she married on April 26, 1969. Celia and Rick had two daughters, Vanessa and Veronica, who were their pride and joy. Celia later joined Rick as a Denver firefighter, where she served until retirement.

After Rick’s devastating death in 2007, Celia was blessed to meet and later marry Jack Mahoney, with whom she shared many memories in Laguna Niguel, California, and Denver, Colorado. Jack passed away in March 2022.

Celia dedicated much of her life to the Catholic Church. She spent her free time in adoration, served on the Denver Archbishop’s Council, graduated from Denver Catholic Biblical School, and, most recently, served as coordinator of the Denver Magnificat chapter.

She began every morning with a cup of coffee and praying the Rosary, no matter what the day had in store. She enjoyed golf, traveling, dancing, and a good Pinot Noir, but her greatest joy in life was her girls and her grandkids. Celia left a special mark on every person she met and made you feel like family after only a few minutes. She had the kindest heart and gave generously to anyone in need.

Celia leaves behind her sister, Anita West; daughters, Vanessa (Vic) Hebert and Veronica (Matt) Mueller; grandchildren, Samuel (Angel) Hebert, Madison (Jacob) Lawless, Sydney (Jonathan) Paugh, and Mitchell Mueller; and great-grandchildren, Paul Lawless and Amber Hebert.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Phyllis, Clayton, Victor, and Steve Dreitz; and husbands, Rick Kulbe and Jack Mahoney.

Celia will be deeply missed, but we know she spent her whole life looking forward to meeting Jesus at the gates of heaven.

A Visitation will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Parish, 2190 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80219, on July 16, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary to be conducted at 6:30pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Notre Dame Catholic Parish, 2190 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80219, on July 17, 2026, at 10:00 am.

A Reception will follow at Pinehurst Country Club, 6255 W Quincy Ave, Denver, CO 80235, on July 17, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, on July 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.