October 10, 1926 – May 18, 2024
After a long life well lived Mary Dwyer went to be with the Lord on Saturday May 18 with family by her side in the home where she had lived since 1971.
Mary was born in Quinlan, Oklahoma on October 10, 1926. She grew up on the family farm where she worked very hard. She lived in the panhandle of Oklahoma during the Great Depression in the heart of the Dust Bowl. When she was asked how they survived those times, she would just say, “We didn’t know any better.” She developed a compassion and a work ethic during her formative years that she passed on to her children and grandchildren that would become part of her legacy that will outlive her long after she is gone.
Mary worked at the post office in Quinlan as a teenager, and in the fall of 1946 fell in love with Howard Dwyer. They were married in Dodge City, Kansas on March 6, 1947. They had three beautiful daughters while in Oklahoma, and in May of 1955 Howard convinced Mary to relocate to Colorado Springs.
Mary wore a number of hats throughout her life: She was a homemaker, metals worker at Rocky Mountain Metals and Clifton Precision, and served as a Deacon and Elder at Village Christian Church.
She sang in the choir for most of her life and it brought her great joy. She also sang with the Sweet Adelines, The Quintet, and rang bells in the VCC Bell Choir for a time. Even though she loved singing in church, she remained adamant that there were only two real kinds of music: Country and Western.
Mary, or Grandma to many who met her, was “famous” for several things: Biscuits and gravy, chocolate chip cookies, craft projects, making scrubbies and driving fast. She loved to entertain and cook for family and friends – her home was always warm and welcoming, and she truly believed the more the merrier. She will be remembered for her strength, faith, and boundless grace. She was proud to say, “I’m a tough old Okie from the Old School.” She was dependable and caring, loving and kind, always very witty, and even during her last days when she didn’t feel well and the finish line was near, she continued to say, “Thank you” to all who helped her. She set a great example for all of us to learn how to treat others.
She is preceded in death by both parents, Jim and Evaline Harper; her husband, Howard Dwyer; her siblings, Gerald Harper, Lucille Dixon (Harper) and Charles Harper; three daughters Connie Ruckdeschel, Kathy Wells and Deanna Dwyer. She is survived by her 5 grandchildren Stormie Wells, Garrett Ruckdeschel (Elizabeth), Andrew Ruckdeschel (Marijah), Lacey Bednorz (Mike Capela), and Andres Doporto; as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Serina Holbrooks (Joshua), Devon Scharich (Dominique) and Noah Faust; special Sister-in-Law Audrey Dwyer-Martin, niece Patty Fadum and many other friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hope and Home - homeandhome.org - 4945 N 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.
Viewing will be May 30, 2024 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Interment will take place May 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Mary’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday June 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Village Christian Church, 3113 Primrose Drive., Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Luncheon for all to follow.
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