February 19, 1931 – February 2, 2016
Just as she was born in the wintry month of February, so has she quietly journeyed home to the Lord at 84 years young with daughter Mary Ann at her side. Lucille (Lu), the youngest of four, was born of Norwegian immigrants, living out her youth on their cattle ranch on the Little Laramie, Wyoming. She attended University of Wyoming, then transferring to Aggie College (now Colorado State University) in 1950. Although completing four years of college, she chose to head out and find a young woman’s job rather than receive her degree. She was employed as a legal secretary for Harold Gregor, Attorney at Law, for the better part of 30 years. Many of her duties consisted of work that today’s paralegals perform. Lucille was married May 9, 1954 to Gordon MacKenzie and together raised their family in Ft. Collins where she remained the rest of her life.
Lu began her education in Wyoming in a one room school house, riding her horses or skiing to and from with her brother Edward. Then barely 14 years old, she started high school in Laramie, living with her Aunt Karen and Uncle Oscar Matson, and her cousin Mildred. Considered the smartest girl in her class, she involved herself with the Mensa Club, the debate team, school choir and FFA (Future Farmers of American). Her interests and talents were many, including music, art, literature, Latin and English studies. Outside of school she became a trick rider and roper with her beloved horses Patsy Boy and Wingfoot. During Lu’s young married life she and Gordon spent many evenings out dancing. While her daughters were young, she was a member of grade school PTA and Junior League.
Throughout her life, Lu spent much of her time painting-oils, and working in pastels, charcoals and pen and ink sketching. She thoroughly enjoyed music from classical to Broadway musicals to country and western, and even some of the rock n roll music of the 70s and 80s. She also spent many a weekend antiquing. During her later years she kept her mind sharp with her paintings, gardening, daily crossword puzzles, especially the New York Times, visiting museums and for a short time volunteered as a Docent for the Lincoln Center. She was always on top of each decades new trends and fads, politics and world events. Lucille’s devoted faith, wisdom and witty sense of humor carried her well. Surviving family members are daughters, Mary Ann Bradley (Bruce) of Denver; Kathleen (Nate) Andrews , Karleen MacKenzie (Andrew) McRoberts of Greeley; Grandchildren Kara and Renee Bradley of Denver and Dylan and Rachel McRoberts of Fort Collins; brother, Edward (Shirley) Matson of Lakewood and brother- in-law Robert Baker of LaPorte. Included as well is long time and dear family friend, Tom Popple of Fort Collins. She also has many nieces and nephews. Lucille was predeceased by older brother, Mel Matson; sister, Myrtle Baker and her husband Gordon MacKenzie.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Stuart St., Fort Collins, CO., followed by a reception. Interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery following the service. In Lieu of flowers, donation greatly appreciated to Lucille’s favorites:
Trinity Lutheran Church, World Wildlife Fund, Larimer County Humane Society. Please visit Lucille’s online memorial at www.allnutt.com.
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