Mary Ellen Durcan

Born on February 11th in St Paul, Minnesota, to Merlin and Mary Constance “Connie” Krusell, Mary Ellen was the oldest of six. She excelled at tennis and never missed a dance with a live band. After graduating from Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, Minnesota, she attended St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, graduating with B.S. degree in Education and Art. She became an accomplished and respected elementary teacher, with a career spanning 44 years, concluding at Park Hill Elementary in Denver, Colorado.

She met her husband, Michael, on a blind date and they married on May 20, 1977 in St. Paul, Minnesota. They went on to be blessed with two daughters, Kathleen and Kelly. Shortly after Kelly’s birth, Michael’s work brought the family to Denver, Colorado, where they skied, camped, road-tripped, and took advantage of all that raising a family in Colorado had to offer. Mary Ellen was active in book clubs, golf clubs, and church.

Mary Ellen’s passions were golf, painting, travelling, playing Mahjong, reading, yard sales, shopping, and a nice crisp glass of Chardonnay paired with a NY style pizza slice, extra crispy. Her joyful, booming laughter added a spark to any room and you couldn’t help but with laugh right along with her. She was vibrant, sassy, and believed one could never have too many shoes.

She is survived by her husband, Michael, and her two daughters: Kathleen & Kelly Durcan of Denver. She leaves behind her beloved mini-me granddaughter, Delaney. She is also survived by her siblings: Kathleen (Todd) Retzer of Hager City, Wisconsin; Constance (Greg) Taminosian of Naples, Florida; Dan (Georgia) Krusell of Hudson, Wisconsin; James (Christine) Krusell of Hudson, Wisconsin; and Karen (Tim) Ray of Andover, Minnesota. She leaves behind many other family members, including her wonderful nieces and nephews and dear friends who will sadly miss her.

A celebration of life for Mary Ellen will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Olinger Chapel Hill, 6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary Ellen's memory may be made to Undue Medical Debt, https://unduemedicaldebt.org/mission-and-history/ or to a charity of your choice.